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Chapter Text

                                          ~

It was quiet. Far too quiet. Leo had always hated this type of silence.

But now this time there was no one else to listen to.

No Raph scolding him for slacking off, No twin to go bother with his unnecessarily exaggerated stories.. No little brother yelled at him for destroying the kitchen when he tried to make toast at 3am to distract himself from his unwanted thoughts.

It’s just him here. 

Him in this lifeless pit.

How long has he been drifting in here?

Surely Kraang will find him again to bring down his wrath upon his captor who too was enslaved in this cage.

Maybe it was meant to be this way. Maybe it's all Leo's bad luck catching up to him. Afterall, he was the one who lost the key. All because of his stupid arrogance.

But if anyone, Leo is glad it was him. Cause he doesn't know what he would do if it was someone else he cared about in his place. 

His moment of silence didn't last long though, and even though he hated it, he would rather the silence than what was coming his way.

Instinctively, his body tensed. well, as well as it could with the amount of injuries he sustained.

‘How am I even still alive?’

“There you are, you little pest. You can only hide for so long”

Leo saw the mechanical red eye move to his broken body before the krangg took another step.

“You have enslaved yourself here. It is your fault for playing martyr, who do you think you are? Some type of hero? The creatures of that earth are already destroying it with or without my help. You’ve only bought them time.”

Leo didn't speak, he only shut his eyes and braced himself for the impact that never came.

“The creatures of your world hates your kind, yet, you trapped yourself with death itself for them. Foolish thing to do really.”

Kraang’s voice spoke gravely as he stood hovering above the battered body. 

“And I will show you just how foolish it was.”

And there it was, the moment Leo was waiting for. The Kraang lifted its mechanical arms ready to crack open his shell for the second time. He braced for impact yet his body wasn't ready for the loud searing burn that made home on his neck, he felt the bug dig into his flesh. Ripping away his scales as he convulsed with pain, the sound was so animalistic that would have had his family screaming to make it stop. But there was no one here. Just Leo and the devil. And gods he so badly just wanted to be home right now. 

Kraang had a sickening malicious smile as he watched Leo writhe in pain.

Leo only had a second to breathe before his body was thrown back into random piece of floating concrete,

“Was it worth it?” the kraang whispered.

Leo stayed silent, hands around his neck, as if trying to expel the thing that had made its home in there. 

The krang did not like this, and with a mechanical claw he crushed the slider in its grip 

“I SAID, WAS. IT. WORTH. IT!?”

Leo could only gasp, all the air taken out of him as he felt his shell crack even more as the Kraang Flung him through the air again.

Leo thought he might have been dead cause he swore at that moment he saw an orange light that warmed up his body he hadn't even noticed he was cold until he felt his little brother’s ninpo.

Tears escaped his eyes as he saw his brothers looking back at him through the orange portal.

“T..took you guys long enough” he croaked, cracking a smile, throat still raw from earlier. He couldn't tell if they were real or not but he could have sworn he heard them call out his name through choked sobs.

Then their eyes went wide with fear and Leo made the mistake of looking down. 

His eyes never left the red dot. Afraid it would come to rip him away from this delirious dream.

The rest became a blur to Leo. His mind was stuck in a frozen panic that he couldn't feel his brother's ninpo safely pull him out and far far away from the empty pit.

‘He can't get my brothers. No no no I can't let him’

He was so out of it that he could barely recognize the words being said around him, he vaguely remembers muttering something before passing out and being carried somewhere by a gentle giant.

‘Is this what death feels like?’

Chapter Text

~

Leonardo jolted awake in cold sweat causing the old injuries on his shell to ache.

Clamping down on his tongue as a pained hiss escaped through his teeth.

It's been four years yet that day still haunts his mind.

The sun hasn't come up yet encasing the world in a dark capsule,

Yet breaking through the inky black the moon shone into the window of the hut,

It's been three years since Leo found this abandoned hut in the woods.

-three years since he said goodbye to everything he ever loved-

Barely anyone came in these woods, claiming it as “crawling with demon infested beings”

And the ones who were brave enough, were usually the monster hunters looking to bag the latest wanted prize, setting up traps to capture all kinds of creatures ranging from possessed yokai to harpies.

Captured monsters would usually be executed, which Leo felt was inhumane.

Many of these demons were docile unless provoked

-like leo-

Of course there were feral monsters that roamed these forests, the ones with an insatiable taste for human and yokai blood, they were not as common.

 It was a 30 minute walk to the nearest village. Which isn't bad, Leo needed the exercise anyways. And it was far away enough that they weren't in danger.

far enough away that he wouldn't be able to detect it if he went berserk.

.

The hearth was still warm from when the slider had lit it last night to cook. The food was never as great as Leo's younger brother’s cooking but at least it was edible.

-he still couldn't get that dang toaster to stop breaking on him-

Slowly, Leo shifted the charcoal around with a stick, watching little sparks of light from a dying fire flicker, he then grabbed the pot that hung above the fire and opened the lid,

‘Food is cold.. Shocker’

Slowly, he poured the last of the meal into a bowl and began to eat the cold soup. ‘I should go out and chop some wood today if I want to cook tonight..’

When he finished his sad bowl of soup he got up to set it in the sink, the water tank was still full from when he filled it two days ago, he washed the bowl in the cold water and set it back in the cupboard that was almost barren. The sun was just peaking out from the earth, encasing the world in a soft light when he grabbed his gear and stepped out of the hut. He went to the small garden he had cultivated last spring first,and he plucked the ripe vegetables and sweet potatoes in put them into a basket before getting read to make the 15 minute trek to the river bank with the carrying pole on his shoulders with buckets on each side, he could hear the forest start to wake up, the wild tokage darting back and forth and the birds chirping as he carefully avoided the traps the monster hunters had set out, occasionally setting off one or two just to make it safer for the little echo mice that followed him from a distance,

When he arrived at the bank he made sure to avoid the rock people’s territory, 

They were really protective of their homes..

Leo learned that out the hard way…

Wincing internally at the memory of being pummeled into the ground by a hoard of angry rock demons, he set down the buckets as he made his way to the rushing river.

When he finished filling the buckets he left a few cucumbers for the trolls as a thank you, 

He could tell they were watching him as he left, but he had other things to worry about,

Like the quickly rising sun. 

He knew the hunters would soon check their traps before they grow frustrated and give up.

The corner of his beak twitched up at that thought,

Leo had been terrorizing the different hunters that came up in hope to capture the demons, but he had always interfered with them. 

His way back was similarly simple, except for the mother oni he saw captured in one of the traps while her child cried for her.

‘I can't just leave her there..’

Sighing, Leo set down the heavy buckets of water and grabbed his dagger, walking closer to the trap.

He should have really thought this through. Cause the child was now bright red screaming at him as the slider covered the sides of his head. 

Leo bared his fangs in pain, that seemed to get a reaction because the mother oni had chittered for her child to stop. 

‘Gods this is the last time i help this kid’

Leo approached with more caution this time, holding his hands in the air, the child looked ready to defend its mother. Which Leo understood. He would have done anything to protect his father.

Shaking out of his thoughts, he focused back on cutting the rope off the mother and watched the small family disappear into the forest.

Leo took a deep breath and continued his path towards the hut, his thoughts racing, his heart felt heavier, he could feel the chunks that were missing, each hole gnawing at him like the parasite that had made its home in his neck all those years ago.

He misses his family.

-his family is better without him-

Chapter Text

The hunger was too insatiable to ignore. 

He was doing so well until now..

The lair, once a place that Leo could confide in, was in a state of chaos.

“LEO STOP KNOCK IT OFF” he could hear his brother’s frantic shouts but the sharp pain sting on the shoulder made him focus back on his target.

He was so hungry

A pained yell as he latched his fangs onto his prey.

-mikey was screaming-

“LEO GET OFF OF HIM” 

The last thing Leonardo felt was the taste of blood and two strong hands shoving him away with such force that his old shell injury retaliated.

And when he came back again he was slouched against the wall. His brothers were in front of him a couple feet away- hovered over a familiar furry body soaked with blood.

No..

Mikey was crying, raph had picked up the lifeless mound of fur and ran towards the medbay while Donatello was already on the phone with draxum.

All Leo could do was watch.

.

‘Im a monster’

-When Donnie had finally turned to check on Leo, his twin was no longer there. The wall where the slider had laid just a few moments was barren, with no trace that the blue turtle was even there-

~

The slider huffed as he lifted the sack of potatoes over his shoulder, the sun beating down relentlessly on its victim as Leo walked down the familiar dusty road of the farmers market. 

‘Grab fish and get out grab fish and get out grab fish- oh great zachery is coming over-’

The little kid yokai, zachery, probably only around seven or eight approached the masked turtle with little to no second thoughts that maybe Leo wanted to be left alone.

“HI MISTER AOI!!” the mongoose shouted, practically skipping on his way, 

Even though Leo tried to hide it, he had a soft spot for the kid.

“It's just Aoi, kid.” Leo grunted walking ahead but the kid had caught up to him easily.

“Okay mister!” the kid replied cheerfully,

Leo sighed, rubbing in between his eyes, “Does your mom know you're talking to me? Pretty sure she would chew you out if she knew” the slider spat still bitter, although it was quite reasonable for the villagers to be wary of the random guy that appears out of the forest every couple of days always wearing a hooded mask that shielded his appearance. Leo was pretty sure they only tolerated him because he always came with something to trade, and he would occasionally help the farmers with their crops when there was time to spare.

“..she doesnt have to know..” the red mongoose muttered, rubbing his short curly brown hair and shrinking into himself, 

Leo had made the wrong move by glancing over at the kid cause that little shit had activated his puppy eyes and that shit made leo give in. 

“Alright fine you can come along just stop with the eyes already god. You are a menace, you know that right? Absolute menace.”

The kid just cheered and sidled up to Leo's side and held onto his cape so he didn't get lost.

Leo rolled his eyes and handed him one of the apples he had in his bag. What?? He wasn't gonna let the kid starve for gods sake! 

For the rest of the shopping trip Zachary had never left Leo's side once, talking to him about all the things that had happened since the last time the slider was in town. Leo, who was half listening, just gave grunts in response, but that didn't dampen the little kid's spirit one bit. And if Leo was honest, he didn't mind it. It was better than the quiet.

~

The next time leo had visited the village zachary had brought along his friend jennika who was a green frog yokai with purple spots, Venus was only a year younger than zach and they were inseparable together.

It reminded Leo of his family..

Leo had been helping some of the farmers harvest their vegetables when they ran up to him,

“AOI AOI GUESS WHAT” the mongoose could have probably jumped all the way to the moon if it wasn't for venus who was holding his hand trying to keep up. The duos were smiling so much that there was no way it wasn't painful.

Leo glanced up at them, standing up and crossed his arms.

“What are you two doing? You should be at school.” He grunted and the kids looked away suspiciously dodging eye contact before Leo huffed, shook his head and went back to picking the radishes, 

giddy with excitement jennika spoke, “WE GOT NEW PEOPLE COMING TO OUR VILLAGE. THEY SAY THERE HERE TO TRACK DOWN A EVIL DEMON”

“HEY I WANTED TO SAY IT” Zachary pouted.

Leo stiffened for a second too long that would have been noticeable to anyone other than the two adrenaline filled kids.

The slider took that moment to breathe before speaking, “is this what you wanted to tell me?” He grunted, digging into the ground with more force than necessary.

“Well yeah! Cause then you could see us more since you live in the woods and when the demons are gone you won't have to stay away for so long!” Zachary cheered. Leo's heart sank.

‘They're just kids ..’

Leo huffed, “we'll see”

~

It had been a week since the last time the slider had visited the village.

He felt bad but he didn't want to risk being caught.

But when he arrived he wasn't met with Zachary or Venus.

The village seemed tense . Leo had a gut feeling that It had to do with the absence of the kids 

‘What happened here??’

He continued his path with more caution. Whatever was wrong, he wouldn't be caught off guard. 

That's when he saw the familiar frog with purple spots. He sighed making his way towards the kid. 

“Hey kid, what's going on? What happened here?”

The once cheery kid that Leo had last talked to a week ago looked at him with haunted eyes.

“I..Zach..” her eyes welled up as she practically flung herself at Leo. He tensed for a minute, hands up in the air, he could feel the village watching him, shocked.

But hearing the girl sob and shake he ignored everything else.

He slowly wrapped his arms around the poor kid and coaxed her. “Shh it's alright. It's gonna be okay.” He muttered with such sincerity as he held the crying girl.

“He- we wanted to give you a present - “ Venus hiccuped, Leo felt his chest tighten.

“I told him not to go, I told him.” The girl shouted, Leo rubbed her back, his eyes haunted .

“He got turned into a monster Aoi. It was horrible, “ the girl cried.

Leo couldn't breathe.

‘It's my fault. If I just had told them to stay away-’

“Aoi?”

Jennika was looking up at him now.

Leo didn't know what to do.

‘its my fault’

Then he remembered something.

The monster hunters.

Leo put his hands on the yokai’s shoulder, kneeling to meet her gaze .

“Venus .Have the hunters arrive yet.”

“Y-yeah a couple days ago why-”

Leo sprinted.

He doesn't remember the last time he had ran so fast 

-if you didn't count that night -

He bolted into the woods. Looking for that familiar red fur 

no no no he cant lose him. He can't lose another person-

That's when he heard it.

Zachary’s scream.

it was so terribly mangled. But Leo ran towards the sound anyway.

He saw the hunter standing over him with a blade in his chest.

He screamed.

Pushing the hunter off and grabbing the lifeless body of the child.

The sound he made made the hunter's blood curdle.

Leo lunged.

He didn't stop until the hunter was unrecognizable.

He painted heavily as he stood over the corpse.

Tears burned his eyes and poured down his cheek as he held Zachary to his chest. 

I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry ‘

Chapter Text

For months Donatello had been trying to track down his twin, but no matter how hard he tried, Leonardo’s tracker continued to stay offline.

Michelangelo had tried to contact him by tracing his ninpo but it seemed as if the slider had put up a barrier between himself and his family.

Raphael didn't know what to do.

~

Leonardo knew that he messed up by leaving the hunter’s body in those woods. But he was too guilt ridden with grief to care in the moment.

He held the tiny child in his arms, he could feel his soul carving out another hole as the body grew colder. 

‘Its my fault..’

Zachary died at eight. Leo had only known him for a couple years but the mongoose had stubbornly crawled his way into the slider's mind and shown him a light that Leo thought had been extinguished.

Leo should have stayed away. He should have been more bitter. 

But he knew deep down that even if he tried to push him away, Zachary would have stuck to his side like glue. soul filled with life and a smile that infected everyone around him.

‘He didn't deserve this. He deserved to grow old and see the world’

.

Leonardo finally set down the corpse into the ground, he made sure to wrap him up in the warmest blanket he had. His heart twisted unforgivingly as he slowly buried the yokai child. 

 The grief was horrible. He felt as if he could have buried himself in that grave along with him.

But he couldn't do that. He wouldn't let himself succumb to the dark corners of his mind where he knew that that krang watched on. Laughing at him. Torturing him.

No. He was too stubborn to die.

-Even if the thought of death felt like a blessing to him some days.-

.

That night, Leonardo couldn't eat. He hasn't even started the fire. He just laid in the cold dark room staring at the ceiling as if it would collapse if he looked away.

‘It should have been me in that grave.’

He knew he couldn't go on like this. He could feel his hunger taking over again. He would have to harvest more ingredients to brew the elixir.

He can't let any more people get hurt.

But his body betrayed him. So there he stayed. Staring at the ceiling and sinking deeper into his grief.

.

Leo needed to get up. It's been three days for goodness sake. He couldn't go on like this. His head was killing him.

So slowly, he peeled himself off of his mattress. The weight in his heart weighing him down.

He felt nauseous. 

He needs to eat.

He grabbed one of the few bottles of elixirs he had left and swallowed it whole, it tasted horrible. Standing up groggily, His legs felt like they could give out under him, he continued to take a step forward until he somehow had wrapped himself up with his cloak and stepped outside. His mind was its own. Taking him towards his garden he had cultivated and cared for.

He picked one of the peppers and bit into its leathery flesh, juice dribbling down his chin, when he had finished he started his walk into the forest towards the river. 

He could really go for a swim about now. Maybe it would clear his head..

But he was distracted by a faint blue object in the distance, curiously, he approached the object until he could make out the outline, a teddy bear.

Leo's heart twisted around in his chest as he stood in front of the child’s toy. A note was taped to the front of its body.

.

*For mIster Aoi.

I am giving you mister bear becuz i dont need him anymore! 

Mama said i am a big boy now. So im giving him too you so you dont feel lonely anymore!

 Mister bear wil protect you and be there when you need hugs. Plez take good care of him. -Zachery*

.

Leo broke down right there, his knees giving out against the weight, he held the bear in his hands before squeezing against his chest as he bent over. Curled into himself,

‘Why? Why? Why? Why did he have to die?? He was just a kid! Why couldnt it have been me!?’

He screamed. The pain never stopped. He felt like he was dying again.

.

.

Leo was numb. He shouldn't have gotten attached. He was the reason that kid had died. He didn't deserve to mourn. So he continued on. Days became weeks. Weeks became months, And the slider just kept moving. His footsteps echoed heavily as he trudged on. He doesn't know why. But he wouldn't die. He won't give in so easily to the parasite.

-But He didnt feel like existing-

Chapter Text

“LEO IM SCARED” a younger Michelangelo cried from the top of the skate ramp. 

“It's okay I'm right here!” Leo shouted from the bottom, stubby arms stretched out in case the box turtle fell,

“I'll stay right here I promise!” the slider yelled, grinning with all of his baby teeth.

Michelangelo had never felt safer in that moment, 20 feet off the ground, balancing on a skateboard with all the strength that a six year old could manage. 

Because he knew his brother would catch him.

His brother was always there to catch him when he fell.

.

.

a year into the search, Michelangelo could no longer feel his brother’s ninpo. Not even a faint trace. Leo had put up so many barriers between him and his brothers that he had completely cut off the ninpo that flowed between them. Isolating himself in his pain. Michelangelo had never felt so lonely in his life.

’You said you would always catch me, Leo. But who was there to catch you?’

~

The morning sun spilled into the cabin in soft rays, and blanketed leo in a warm light.

He hissed as a cool breeze crept into the room from the window the slider had left open last night, nestling further into the sheets. He knows he’ll have to get up soon if he doesn't want to miss out on the good produce from the farmers market.

The birds were singing, which was nice. Leo hated it when it was quiet. 

Slowly he peeled away the blankets he had burrowed under, his shell ached and the floorboards underneath him creaked as he sat up from his mattress. 

Glass bottles clinked against his ankles as he brushed them away with his foot.

‘I need to get more of the ingredients while I'm at the village..’

Leo picked up one of the half empty potion bottles and swished it around in its container until it began to glow a vibrant orange, ‘should be enough until i can grab more..’

He then popped the lid off and swallowed the potion whole, it tasted horrible. But it was better than going crazy in front of a bunch of innocent yokai villagers..

It was a bit chilly today so Leo went for his regular hooded cloak and scarf, along with his gear and pants. He carefully wrapped each individual arm until none of his distinguishable stripes were visible, sure it might be a bit much for a simple walk to the village but Leo knew better than to let his guard down. 

He made that mistake too many times.

So sue him if he added a couple more ninja stars than necessary, it helps to be prepared!

And something was telling him that he would need it today.

And so, with a duffle bag strapped on his shoulders, he began his trek into the woods.

It was quiet for the majority of the walk, with the occasional tokage bristling past.

Leo could recognize the traps that the monster hunters had set out in these woods so he swiftly avoided them as best as he could on his way.

There haven't been many traps out recently, have they given up?

Regardless, after a good 15 minute hike, he hit the river bank that would lead him to the village,

The sun, even though it was early in the morning, was as bright as ever. 

It's not as bad as the fluorescent lights though..

Therefore, he settled for pulling his hood down to shield his sensitive eyes a bit more.

The tokage had long skittered away, deterred by the trolls that lived in the river and occasionally would eat them for a snack so it was back to just leo and the sound of rushing water.

He would love to go for a swim right now..

But he wouldn't. No matter how much his turtle side was longing for the cool relief of the water he understood the trolls that lived on the banks, and they would respect him if he respected them.

When he finally saw the village in view and sped up his pace.

Okay so what if he really liked mr murakami’s pastries when they were straight out of the oven? Everyone does!

.

.

-They reminded him of mikey-

.

.

Stepping into the small bakery the smell of Mr. Murakami's jam filled biscuits filled the air.

‘Seems like I'm the first one here’ Leo smiled to himself under the mask, it's not like Mr Murakami would see him anyway. See, Mr Murakami was a star-nosed mole yokai, and had really terrible eyesight. That's why he was the first to welcome Leo when he had first arrived at this village.

He couldn't see how horrifying Leo was

After that, Mr Murakami had become a friend to Aoi, Leo did feel bad about lying to him about his name but it was for safety.. Mr Murakami would understand.

“Aoi i see you are first in line like always” Mr Murakami’s voice was gentle and he was a great listener.

-It reminded him of tio hueso-

“Im sorry but im pretty sure you dont see much of anything anyways sir” leo smiled and brought down his mask to sample the tray of pastries Mr Murakami Had handed him,

To be honest, Mr Murakami’s shop doesn't open for another hour. But who's gonna tell on him for letting a kind friend in early?

“Mm Sir this might be the best batch you've made so far” Leo spoke between mouthfuls as he tried to stuff as much as he could down his throat. 

He didn't usually have a lot of food, so he wasn't picky about free food.

Murakami chuckled and handed the slider a napkin 

“Slow down kid, i cant have you choking, its bad for business”

Leo smiled as he accepted the napkin to wipe off the crumbs, he was going to reply until the sound of a fast paced mammal approaching the door distracted him, he quickly lifted his mask and turned his face away from the entrance just as the door opened.

Mr Murakami cleared his throat and started speaking to the yokai who seemed to all but clumsily fall its way into his store. “Im sorry ma’am but the store isn't opened for another hour” Leo could practically hear the smile that was etched on mr murakami’s face as he gently spoke, 

But the girl just stood confused, staring at the back of leos cloak and back at mr murakami before whining, “ugh but why is he here then?” the voice sounded irritated, but distracted,

Leo took that as his sign to quickly get out of there, but when he saw what the girl (orange fox yokai?) held in her hands, his chest tightened.

He needed to get out of here

Chapter Text

‘I should have paid more attention’

‘I should have said something’

‘Its my fault’

Two years since that night. Two years since Leo’s brothers had last seen the slider.

Two years since they had last felt whole.

.

.

Donatello stared at the flat blank screen monitor, the blue letters illuminating the dark lab,

.

-LEONARDO HAMATO OFFLINE-

.

The softshell sighed, slumping back into his chair and attempting to rub away the oncoming migraine,

“Nardo… where are you?”

~

Leonardo knew damn well not to leave the cold corpse of the hunter out in the open where others could see. He also knew better not to leave his DNA at said crime scene.

But he was too stricken with grief to care at that moment,

And now, his luck was coming back to bite him in the ass.

What the fox yokai held in her hands decided whether or not he got to live.

Honestly, Leo does not think that  that little device should be able to wield such power but then again  his twin was a pyromaniac with a welding torch so..

Anyway.. so yeah, the bitch that was currently arguing with Mr. Murakami, (Leo did not appreciate that) held potentially the most dangerous weapon in the room right now.

(Donnie had made worse but that wasn't currently threatening his life right now)

The device picks up DNA samples from a crime scene and judges whether or not they were yokai or demons, then the device would go around and try to match the DNA with its owner.

And said demon owner was standing right there.

So when that little metal fucker set off a chime of recognition Leo’s heart had already made it's home in his gut. 

The conversation seemed to shut off immediately as the box began to beep, the fox yokai looking back and forth between the device and the slider, making the connection, the yokai made the mistake of looking down once more, because when she looked back up, Leo had already vanished.

“DAMNIT, GEN I FOUND THE DEMON ITS GETTING AWAY” the fox seemed to shout for backup outside, but Leo only heard parts of it, 

His legs burned, and if it wasn't for his relentless ninja training he might as well have been dead now, but he wasn't. So he swiftly moved through the trees leaving little to no trace that he was there at all, for a turtle, he was surprisingly light on his feet, but that was a perk of living with a family of ninjas when you were a rebellious teenager, you learn to avoid, distract, disappear.

Make it seem as if you were never there.

Not that his father would have cared if he caught Leo sneaking out, but Raph was another problem.

- Some days it felt as if Raph was more of a parent than Splinter.

The woods were thick and dense, and if Leo was careful there would be no way for them to track him down this far,

‘Maybe stay away from the village for a couple more weeks hunker down in the hut, Damnit I couldn't even buy the damn elixirs. Fuck’

Leo was screwed. Either way he would be hunted and gutted out eventually. -even if he didn't mind the thought-

He couldn't go out like this. There was something keeping him from letting go of that tiny thread that cut into his scales, a tether of something his heart still held on to, so yes when sounds of fighting nearby where he was hiding out in a tree made him worry a bit about being found so screw him, he wasn't gonna die because some stupid yokai gave away his hiding place, that would be a very stupid way to go out.

So naturally he looked to the direction where the noise came from, and  honestly he wished he didn't cause his eyes felt like they were going to bulge out of his sockets because of how astonished this slider was of a very stupid  minded yokai that was currently fighting off one of a 12 foot Wendigo even though the guy had very obvious escape routes and also was VERY OBVIOSELY INJURED.

‘WHAT THE HELL IS THAT GUY DOING???’

It was clear that the rabbit yokai was not backing down, but he wasn't going to win anytime soon. And as much as leo just wanted to watch it play out he knew that if that the longer they keep making a commotion the more likely leo would be discovered.

‘Fuck’

So into the middle of a fucking minefield Leo went. 

Stupid pest never thinking before he acts..

'Shut up'

.

Leo’s shout had momentarily distracted the two fighters, the rabbit’s eyes glanced at the slider’s and Leo swore he felt a zap go through his chest. But he couldn't think about whatever spell the rabbit struck him with because Leo had the perfect opportunity to hit the wendigo in its weak point behind its knee,

The wendigo howled as the turtle’s dagger stabbed and twisted into it, but it was stubborn, luckily, so was Leo. And he wasn't going out like this.

The rabbit seemed to get the memo and continued to strike the feral demon, and even though they had different weapons, (katana.. The rabbit had a katana..omg that's so cool-) they fought in sync, connecting together like a puzzle, which was strange for two strangers who only just met, 

-they seemed to fit together, it reminded leo of his brothers-

Unfortunately, even though they had each other's back, the rabbit was still injured, Leo doesn't care, Afterall, its the stupid rabbit’s fault for trying to take on this damn thing.. but when the wendigo’s cloven hoof had sliced open the stranger's chest, leo felt his lungs falter, and when the rabbit had collapsed on the ground, Leo had enough, he made the final blow and his dagger made its home in the wendigo’s neck, its black blood squirting out and its flesh squelching with each twist of the knife, and finally, the beast had fallen.

Leo knew he shouldn't care. He should get the fuck out of there. The fight had lasted too long, the noise had most certainly drawn attention to him.

But whatever curse the rabbit must have hit him with was something stronger.

‘Damnit Leo what did you get yourself into??’

~

Chapter Text

After three years of radio silence, staring at a flat disconnected line on a screen that never turned off, a false hope that maybe something would happen.

Donatello always thought that his twin would be there, even if he denied it, Leonardo and him had always had a special bond.

And for some reason, he didn't think that the bond would break.

The first time he felt it snap was when the slider had trapped himself alone in a place that Donatello couldn't reach. The pain was horrible. He felt as if someone had ripped out a piece of his heart, something he would never get back.

But he did. Somehow, and they were whole again for a while, well, it was a little different, weaker.

He never thought that it would happen once, but when it happened the second time, it still hit him like he was tossed in front of a train. He desperately tried to cling to the last fading threads of their bond, but it was hopeless.

Leo left him.

Leo left him again.

.

Three years had passed, the turtles had roamed the lair like mindless zombies, all grieving the lost piece of their family,

Leo couldn't be dead, Mikey would have known, at least, he thinks he would.. surely Leo wouldn't hide away from us if he were..

‘No. Don't think like that micheal. Just focus on making the damn soup for dad.’

Said soup was currently in his hands when he felt it, it was different, strange, but a heartbeat. Leo's heartbeat..he could recognize that faint blue anywhere. No matter how distorted.

The bowl was left forgotten and shattered on the ground.

It was only at least half a second, but it was there.

Leo was there.

Tears filled the orange turtle's eyes, threatening to spill,

He knows the others felt it too. He could feel their sudden halt in their ninpo.

Leo.

.

Raphael had blamed himself probably more than the others for that night.

‘if only I was stronger. If I did something maybe he wouldn't have left..’

He shook that thought out of his head, and focused on the stinging sensation of his fists making contact with the punching bag.

He had already trained to his max but he refused to stop.

He needed the relief it brought 

And he probably would have never stopped if it wasn't for someone's ninpo, whom he thought he'd never feel again, had brushed past him, like the wind, but it was gone in a blink.

Raph couldn't breathe .

Leo was right there. He was right there.

-Raph had missed him again -

.

The remaining brothers in all various states of distress had met in the main area.

looking at each other with haunted expressions and heavy breaths,

“Did you-”

“Yeah”

“..Leo”

“Blue?”

The voice was meek and sullen, as if it was scared to hope, the brothers looked at the remaining family member standing outside of his room, hands clutched against his robe, long tail twitched behind him, he looked fragile, which was understandable. Their father barely ate or moved after Leo's disappearance, and when they no longer felt his ninpo his state had worsened.

His physical body was in no good shape either, the rat’s left ear was nothing but a little stub, and a scar traveled down his cheek, a left over from the incident that had chased his once most prideful son away.

“Yeah pops. We felt him too.” Raph spoke , tears falling down his face, he hated seeing how far their father had fallen,

-it reminded him of the early years-

“What is my baby blue doing in Japan?”

~

‘stupid stupid stupid’ Leo mentally cursed himself as he ran with the limp body in his arms. 

He couldn't make it to the village, the hunters had caught sight of him and yelled about how he got somebody. though their reactions made it seem like they knew the person Leo held.

‘FOR FUCKS SAKE WHY DIDNT I JUST LEAVE HIM THERE??’

Instead, he had brought the rabbit to his hut. (WHERE ELSE WAS HE SUPPOSED TO TAKE THE DAMN RABBIT?)

his internal medic cringed at his workplace but it would have to do and set the rabbit down on his mattress,

‘Damnit, I'm gonna have to get a new mattress. Stupid Leo. All because you couldn't leave this stupid yokai to his fate’

Leo grabbed the medical box from the cabinet and ripped open the rabbit's shredded shirt ‘really sorry for ruining your shirt stranger but you're bleeding out..’

He pressed the fabric to the wound and watched the unconscious rabbit hiss in pain, “sorry sorry” he muttered releasing pressure and cleaning the wound.

‘its gonna need stitches. Shit I only have a little bit left. Am I really gonna use the rest of it on this idiot??’ but before Leo could reply to his thoughts his hand was already moving from years of practice, closing the gash and tying off the thread, now all he could do was give this man at least a bit of decency and wrap the shredded fabric around the wound to give him a bit of coverage.. (he really didn't want the rabbit yelling at him if he could help it.. some yokai were really sensitive about their clothes..)

When he was finished the slider leaned back on his heels inspecting his work and feeling quite relieved with the results. 

(Even if it was super stupid of him to bring a stranger into his home that had remained hidden and out of sight from yokai like him..)

Oh well. The damage was done. And Leo really needed to get away from the smell of the yokai's blood. (Especially because he only had one bottle of elixir left..)

So the slider walked out of the room and made his way to the couch, where he then collapsed of exhaustion, he huffed as the couch slowly sunk around his form,

‘What the shell did I get myself into??’

.

The first thing usagi felt when he finally gained consciousness was the sharp pain across his chest, he let out a string of swears in his native language and he sat up, hissing in pain.

‘How long was I out??’

The room around him was unfamiliar, but he was used to the unfamiliar, and besides, if the person living here was a demon or a psychopath, he would already be dead. So surely there was nothing to fear!

‘unless he was waiting to fatten you up and stick you in the oven..’

ANWAYS- he was like, 67.98% certain that his friends were at least in the other room.

(That number got drastically smaller as he tried to listen for kitsune or gen’s movements that kept him awake some nights)

It was kind of concerning that he heard no movement.. Maybe they left?

With some struggle, and very clear pain, Usagi stood up from the mattress he laid on, his feet clinking against a glass bottle that seemed to be quickly shoved under the bed.. which was . Strange.. they didn't look like beer bottles, more like potions, is this person a witch or something??

He racked his brain for an explanation as he continued to snoop, this person didn't have much, just a duffle bag with some clothing, -a shit ton of weapons-, and more empty bottles.

It was honestly sad to see such a barren room, but that was this guy's preference, anyway speaking of guy- where is he??

And so, he walked out of the dark room into the main area, it wasn't big, but there was DEFINITELY someone there. ‘HOW DID I NOT HEAR HIM??’ 

Said figure was currently hunched over the fire pit, stirring something that reminded him of his aunties garden soup.

The fire illuminated the yokai's masked face in an orange hue, his eyes seemed to reflect the serenity of the fire but held a underlying sadness, yuichi’s ears drooped a little at the sight, it reminded him of how his auntie looked at him sometimes when he asks for stories of his parents.

“Are you just going to stare at me or are you going to introduce yourself” 

The voice spat like a feral cat, startling him out of his daydream,

“Oh uh sorry! I get stuck in my head sometimes, uh my name's usagi miyamoto, what's yours??” usagi really tried to be nice, smiling and everything, but the air felt thick for no reason,

It wasn't until the yokai huffed that the rabbit felt like he could breathe again.

“Aoi”

“Oh like the color? That's odd”

“Says the one who's name literally translates to rabbit”

Usagi left his cheeks puff up with embarrassment as he crossed his arms,

“Hey! It's a family name okay!?”

“And your family just happens to be rabbits, how convenient”

“Well it's more convenient than the name Aoi! It doesn't even make sense! Your face markings are red!” usagi couldn't help but stamp his foot.

The masked yokai had turned to face him directly, all his attention given directly to the rabbit, and for some reason, yuichi enjoyed it.

‘gods his eyes were beautiful..’

But of course this jerk broke the moment.

“Wait, rabbits aren't colorblind??”

‘nevermind I'm gonna kill him’

Chapter Text

Usagi would be lying if he said he didn't feel the bolt of electricity go through him when he made eye contact with Aoi across the battlefield, but no one is asking him, so he'd rather not think about that right now. Not when said reason for the zing was currently his host..

‘Not to mention the guy was a dick. Seriously, what is wrong with him??’

Though he did make Usagi food…

He sat at the small table, spoon in his hand as he watched the yokai shuffle around the kitchen, cleaning the space, ‘he hadn't taken off his cloak, is he uncomfortable?’

..was usagi making him uncomfortable?

Suddenly usagi felt guilty for eating.

“Why aren't you eating?”

“Not hungry”

 that was understandable.. but what was with the mask??

“Okay.. why are you wearing that mask then?” Usagi knew it was probably very invasive to ask, but his stupid mouth had already asked the question.

Not noticeable to usagi, Leo had froze for a second before replying,

“Allergic to rabbit. Why the sudden interrogation??"

“Just want to know my kidnapper” 

Aoi had whipped around so fast that Usagi's eyes couldn't keep up, almost comical if you looked back at it,

“I'm sorry what!? Did you want me to leave you bleeding out in the woods??”

Usagi just laughed.

‘This little cunt-’ Leo huffed, turning back around to grab the wet rag and throw it smack dab at the rabbit's face.

“Jeez sorry!” Usagi chuckled removing the rag from his face, 

Leo thought he looked kinda cute at that moment..

AND THAT WAS HIS CUE TO LEAVE-

so without another word he quickly left the hut. Walking wherever the fuck his legs were taking him, as long as it was away from the cursed rabbit…

.

Much to his reluctance, Leo did have to eventually return to the hut, 

He was really regretting helping this rabbit..

.

It was dark out now, the only sound coming from the night entities, Leo sat by the fire, trying to warm his cold blooded scales after being out in the wind for so long,

The rabbit sat on the couch, sighing before reaching into his pocket and pulling out something and object, ‘is that..a yoyo and some syrup packets???’

Leo must have been dreaming cause what the fuck-

The rabbit must have felt his judgemental stare cause he turned to face the masked yokai while stuffing the syrup packets back in his pockets,

“What?”

“A yoyo? Really??”

“It's a really good weapon okay!?!?”

“Sure.. whatever you say”

.

The next morning, Aoi had checked over Usagi's bandages before deeming it safe for him to start his way back to the village, but for some reason, Aoi was hesitant to come with..

(He finally agreed after some argument though.. he really hates this stupid rabbit..)

It seemed a little unnecessary for the yokai to pack so many weapons but then again, there were a lot of crazy things in these woods so Usagi didn't judge,

Before they left though, Usagi looked at the masked man again, he still looked so sad.. does he have anybody?..

Without thinking, the words jumbled out of the rabbit's mouth, “do you live alone?”

The reply was instant, defensive, “yes.”

Yuichi glanced at the worn down blue bear that sat on one of the only shelves in the hut, ‘it looked well loved..’

“Dont you have a family?”

..

 the air grew thick, Leo never answered Usagi question, instead he just avoided it, “Let's go. I want to get in and out of that damn village as fast as I can. The people there are annoying.”

And with that, the two had started to walk in uncomfortable silence.

Leo always hated this type of quiet. 

.

The village wasn't big, but Leo seemed just fine with his little town, even if it was a long shot from the city that never slept, less people meant less likely for news to get out to other bigger areas, but it also meant that everyone was always in your business. So when Leo walked through that village with an unfamiliar yokai, heads were turned, gossip started, especially when just a couple days ago, Aoi had run out of the town as if his life depended on it. Mr Murakami hasn't spoken about what happened in his shop, but the village could tell he was affected by it.

Aoi seemed to be more one edge than he normally was, eyes darting back and forth between every small crevice or ally where potential danger could lurk, 

He really needed to get out of there..

The sliders tensity had eased its way into Usagi too, making the rabbit’s ears turn at every sound for no good reason, but if something was making the masked yokai who was capable of taking down a 12 foot wendigo nervous, then that was something to be worried about, even if Usagi only knew him for a couple days, he respected him, afterall, it would be dishonorable to think ill of an ally! Even the said ally was kind of rude..

Usagi was so distracted by his thoughts that he didn't hear the oncoming pattering of little feet making its way quickly behind the two,

Leo did, he visibly adjusted his stance in order to be able to hold the two flying furballs that were aiming directly for him, 

The squeals as Leo caught the two rascals before they slammed onto the ground filled the village, 

Usagi’s katana had already been unsheathed and he had dropped into a defensive stance,

Leo grunted, hissing in pain in a tone that only Usagi’s rabbit ears could pick up,

‘Was he hurt all this time!?’

“I told you little runts to stop doing that. One day im not going to catch you and your gonna fall flat on your face” Leo scolded them, trying to give off his best ‘leave me alone i dont like you’ voice even though he was very obviously checking the two kids for injuries,

In usagi's opinion, it was kind of cute. But he wouldn't ever say that out loud, he barely knew the guy!

The two chipmunk yokai children only giggled before clinging onto Leo as he desperately tried to pry them off, “Sorry mister Aoi!” the girls had replied in unison, 

Leaving Leo embarrassed and having his dignity ripped away by two fuckass kids.. How humiliating.

Usagi went back to his regular resting stance and sheathed his katana after knowing the threat was just two little kids, Usagi smiled.

“So.. is this why you hate the village? Because you're basically a child magnet?”

“Yes.” 

Usagi threw his head back and laughed as Leo stared at him hoping that the rabbit could just disappear.

.

While searching for Usagi's friends, the two had stopped by some stands at the farmers market, mainly because Aoi had insisted that if he was in the village he might as well buy some stuff that he needed.

-and if usagi saw him buy a dango or two for the kids that happily trailed behind them, he didn't say anything-

Eventually, Usagi did finally recognize the familiar silhouettes of his friends in the distance,

“OH FINALLY AOI LOOK!”

When Usagi turned to look at the yokai that was literally by his side just a second ago, with his arms full with items, he was greeted by the two chipmunk twins staring back at him with their mouths full of dango.

“Uh.. Where did Aoi go guys?”

One of the kids hummed before responding,

“Dont know, he usually disappears randomly for weeks, it's super crazy how he does that!”

“Yeah! One time he stayed hidden for two months!” the other replied with her mouth full and holding up both hands.

“Dont worry though! Mister Aoi always shows back up!”

Usagi sighed. He really wanted to introduce Aoi to his friends, he had a feeling chizu and him would get along, with their whole tough guy act..

He was kind of confused on how Aoi managed to escape his usually excellent rabbit hearing once again.. Maybe he should train more..

But before he could respond he heard kitsune shout, “OH MY GOD USAGI” and when he turned to face them he was promptly thrown onto the ground followed with a clingy fox, the stitches i had made sure to clean and taught yuichi how to care for, stung with the sudden jostling, “ow ow ow kitsune! Injured!” he hissed,but kitsune only held on tighter around her victim’s poor neck, “I THOUGHT THAT DEMON GOT YOU” she sobbed.

‘Demon?? Oh she must mean the wendigo.’

“Well I did get pretty banged up but someone actually fixed me up! Without him I would have probably bled out..”

Well that worried his friends. Chizu promptly ripped her girlfriend off of usagi and stripped the rabbit of his shirt

“Hey! HEY DO YOU GUYS REALLY TRUST ME THAT LITTLE??” yuchi pouted as gen examined the stitches,

“Seems like this guy knew what he was doing. Shocker” he muttered,

“I TOLD YOU!!”

“Well where is said stranger who had heroically saved our stupid rabbit?” kitsune questioned, yuichi groaned, running a hand down is face.

“Well he WAS here with me but now he's not”

A minute,

The crew looked between each other and back at yuichi,

“Do you know what he looks like??” chizu asked, trying to get a description, 

“..well no”

“What do you mean no!?!?”

“His face was covered and he constantly wore a cloak the whole time!”

Chizu inhaled before replying,

“Why would he wear a mask if he had nothing to hide?”

“Hes allergic to rabbit fur”

…

“HOW CAN A YOKAI BE ALLERGIC TO ANOTHER YOKAI YUICHI???”

“Well, maybe he's a mutant!! I dont know!!”

“MUTANTS WERE CREATED TO BE LITERAL WAR MACHINES THEY DON'T HAVE ALLERGIES”

“THATS KIND OF RACIST AND BIASED OF YOU CHIZU”

“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?”

“LANGUAGE”

Chapter Text

“Dad..”

“Mh”

“Dad!”

“Yes blue what is it?”

“Im scared”

..

The newly mutated ex movie star, reduced to nothing but a frail rat, sat hunched in his chair, it was early. Too early for the turtles to be awake, but blue never did sleep well.

Cracking an eye open he glanced at the small turtle tot, the crescent red markings marking his eyes like twin crowns,  grubby hands holding red’s bear tight in its grip,

Splinter could have just ignored him like he usually did, the turtle would have eventually given up and go find his brothers but there was something vulnerable and small in the little slider’s eyes, it reminded him so much like himself.

“Come here blue” he sighed, letting the turtle climb onto his lap, he held him in his arms, tracing the yellow stripes and rubbing the turtle’s shell,

“It is alright to be afraid my son, but don't let your fears shy you away from the ones you love, for as long as I'm here little blue, you'll always have your old dad here to scare away the monsters!’ -the rat boosted, making the slider smile.-‘ just come to me and i will hold you in my arms until you forget why you were ever scared alright?”

“Okay dad” the small turtle mumbled, sinking further into his fathers furry arms, his dad always smelled, but honestly, Leo would have it no other way.

.

Fear flooded his veins as he ran across the concrete jungle, adrenaline being the only thing keeping him from passing out,

The warm pool of blood that made its home welcome in his stomach started to weigh him down. It was sickening how full he felt.

He didn't know where he was going. But he needed to get out, get it away.

He was terrified.

Terrified of the parasite that made its home in his body.

He was terrified of himself.

…

He wanted his father.

-his father cant save him this time-

~

The hot wet squelch of flesh being torn apart by the silver blade was music to his ears, his muzzle turned upwards into a carnivorous grin as he bared down at the body beneath it who gave his last breath, tears letting loose on the dead man’s face,

Unclean.

its jet black hair spilled from its head like poisonous vipers, their eyes like pools of milk, and its tall frail body shouldn't have been able to keep this demon walking. It was inhumane.  unnatural.  But it was the being’s smile that terrified even the great mifune. 

A curse from the devil. 

The kraang’s last gift to this unforsaken world.

..

“Uncle?” The young cat yokai spoke from behind the creature’s back, brown eyes pure and clean.

The storm in the red sky beat down relentlessly on the hell being, yet its stature never wavered, only turning after hearing the young kitten speak,

“Child. We must keep moving, the gods have shown me a path. This soul.. it cries.”

And with that, the young kunoichi held onto the being’s cold skeleton-like hand, the cracking of joints that were not meant to be moved in such ways were drowned out by the storm, and the two set off towards the crying soul’s path.

But if anyone noticed, only one heart beat amongst the pair.

…

Please someone just make it stop.

Just make it stop.

Chapter Text

The pillow in which he laid his head onto started to feel more like a prison for his mind.

Of course that damn rabbit was affiliated with the same group of hunters that can currently sniff him out if he even stepped foot in that village.

It didn't help that the parasite seemed to have taken a liking to the said rabbit..

The nightmares seemed to be neverending, and the dark corners of the cabin seemed to be enough for his imagination to warp itself into the very thing that still somehow had its nasty claws around the slider.

He could still feel his shell splitting in two, the parasite making its home inside his scales, the kraang’s laughter as it beat down relentlessly, thewelcomingwarmthofhisfather’sbloodtricklingdownhisbeak-

Fear trickled up his shell as he quickly sat up. Tonight seemed to be quieter than it normally was, as if the earth had watched his sins and decided to torment him - he couldn't breathe. He hated this type of silence.

Instinctively, he stood up and started to walk to his twins lab for comfort, until his vision began to take note of the unfamiliar scenery that caused him to briefly panic before remembering where he was, he shook his head and hit his fists against his head while leaning his back on the wall, sliding down onto the floor and curling into himself as much as he could. 

‘Stupid idiot they're gone. You're on your own now. Its your fault get over it’

-It was so quiet. Leo always hated this type of quiet.-

~

Usagi’s friends knew that Usagi sometimes got sidetracked, but this was a bit excessive..

It had been two weeks since his encounter with that masked yokai yet he still looks at the shaded parts and ally ways as if Aoi would pop up if he stared at the shadows hard enough..

The rest of the group were getting worried, both for their friend and for the mission. If yuichi didn't start focusing on the task they were assigned to do the whole mission might as well be a bust! (it also didn't help that they didn't get any leads so far after that event at mr murakami’s shop.) Therefore, the villagers were still at risk and Usagi couldn't be more sidetracked than he was right now.

“Yuichi i swear if you keep looking at the woods as if your knight and shining armor would magically pop out of it im going to leave you in there for the demons” chizu spat out one day while the rabbit and her were sparring,

That seemed to get the rabbits attention since his head spun around quickly to lock on chizu as she struck and dodged her blow that was most definitely aimed for his head.

“Sorry! Sorry! Wait what did you say?-”

Kitsune groaned from the side lines, “come on Miyamoto! It's been weeks. And we got no leads on the demon that the tracker picked up at Murakami’s shop. If we don't find anything else we might as well quit!” 

Usagi i turned to face his friend, “hunters don't quit, it is dishonorable to give up on these innocent yokai” he said stubbornly while sheathing edgewing, the sword had originally been yuichi’s great great grandfather Usagi Miyamoto’s sword, which was passed down for generations, wielded by countless descendants, and vanquished twice as many foes, it was said that Usagi Miyamoto was gifted this blade by a worthy and honorable adversary in battle before they departed once more, nobody knew who the yokai was that had created such a fine sword that seemingly had a mystic connection to the rabbit but it was clearly treasured by Miyamoto and therefore a priceless family heirloom for years after his death.

“Come on man we need to focus and we need you to get your furry head in the game!” kitsune wined as chizu nodded in agreement with the fox while gen stayed silent,

The rabbit’s shoulders slumped as he sighed, looking down, “I'm sorry guys, your right ill do better.”

“DANG IT USAGI I STOP WITH THE RABBIT EYES” kitsune shouted, covering her eyes with her hands while the culprit continued to stare sadly into her soul. Eventually the fox broke, “FINE YOUR FORGIVEN NOW STOP” she cried, the rabbit grinned victoriously, chuckling along with his friends as they embraced, only to be disrupted by gen’s stomach growling, 

“Uh, how about dinner at the village inn? Heard they had good curry” 

It was quiet before the group broke out laughing at gen’s comment, “deal”

.

.

.

 in Usagi's defense he didnt think that the angry rock trolls that defended part of the river bank were not just some made up tale that the villagers told the young ones so they wouldn't try to go in the water, so it was NOT his fault when he accidentally set of a bunch of angry rock demons by trespassing on their property, and what was he supposed to know that these fuckers were actually MADE OF ROCK and if they were not already pissed at the rabbit, well they are now because apparently, trying to fight them was not the smartest move usagi had made-

‘

The evening brought a welcoming cool breeze as Leo had made the journey to the river and was currently filling up the the pails of water, but now that he sat on the edge of the water he couldn't help but notice the absence of the trolls in the reeds, 

‘That's strange.. They are usually always here..’

He stood there perplexed, looking around trying to spot the familiar rock shapes when he heard a shout. Now, normally he’d ignore it, but this damn voice yanked harshly in his head and he unconsciously followed the noise to its owner,

‘Of fucking course its him’

Good thing was now he knew what was keeping the trolls occupied, bad thing is, it's the stupid rabbit keeping them occupied.

‘What is he even doing?? Is he actively trying to get himself killed or something??’

Leo’s thoughts were answered when the rabbit pulled out a yoyo to attack the trolls.

‘Stupid. He should know not to attack actual ROCK demons like come on. Isn't that like a monster hunter’s guide 101 or something??’ he internally scowled and took off his cape, (not his mask) to plunge into the cold water until he was waist deep, completely soaking his pants ‘well at least my weapons aint getting rusty.. Stupid rabbit owes me for this. These are my favorite pants man’

He watched for a minute as the rabbit helplessly flailed against the trolls, some of them looking back at the slider confused before the turtle tucked his hands behind his mask and in corners of his mouth and blew out sharply, successfully gaining the attention of the angry rock people, the rabbit fell almost comically into the water as they stopped their relentless attacks, bowing at an almost 90 degree angle so his mask just skimmed the waters leo spoke,

<I apologize for this yokai’s arrogance, his brain doesn't work quite right, he did not mean to trespass on your grounds and i am willing to take whatever punishment in his place>

The trolls grumbled before the leader stepped forward, 

<why do you protect this fool? His kind is evil. They’ve killed countless of ours. They are the reason why you hide in that ridiculous shed>

Leo stood up, facing the troll and looking directly in its eyes.

<my actions led me to this place, now let me ask you, is it fair for them to consider us all mindless beasts because some of us are harmful? Then why do we subject an entire race to evil because of one man? Let this rabbit go and I shall give you my entire harvest>

The trolls muttered between each other before the leader spoke again,

<very well, but if this fool offends our lands again we will not be so kind>

<I understand. Thank you for your generous act.>

And with that, the slider turned to look at the still drenched rabbit that stared with at Leo with an emotion that the turtle couldn't quite recognize, 

“Come on. They won't hurt you unless you stay in their waters, it's up to you if you want to be turned into a rabbit stew.”

That seemed to get the rabbit out of whatever trance he was in because he quickly made his way onto the bank behind Leo.

.

.

Leo had given the shivering rabbit his cloak so he could keep warm as they continued to walk along the bank, The sun begun to tuck itself underneath the earth painting the skies in vibrant hues of red and orange, usagi admired how the sun made the sliders visible scales shine in the brighter, his shell being the most prominent, each blue marking like a stroke of paint against an artist’s canvas, the only thing breaking the illusion was the many scars that dug into the turtle’s shell, usagi cringed at the thought of something being strong enough to crack open Aoi’s basic number one defence. It was horrible, whatever stories this turtle held caused him so much grief that yuichi could see it in his eyes.

 After a few moments of silence, usagi muttered, “You have a shell”

“Uh yeah? What did you think I was?” leo remarked, glancing at the soggy rabbit, (he looked like a wet cat which Leo found amusing) the latter avoiding his gaze almost ashamed,

“..a frog..”

“What?”

“OKAY BUT HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW??”

“My shell literally can be seen underneath the cloak”

“I thought you just had bad posture!” Usagi defended, causing a small snort to come from the slider, which made something small bloom in the rabbits chest,

“What was that?”

“What?”

“That snort! I thought you were immune to feelings or something!”

“I think you need to go to the doctor, you might still have water lodged in your ears or something”

“Hey I know what I heard!!”

.

Usagi didn't realize how late it was until he heard his friends calling his name, they must have tracked his location.. he was walking with Aou while the turtle carried the pitchers of water on his shoulder, (and maybe not so discreetly checking how his muscles flexed under the weight) the voices breaking the peaceful quiet atmosphere,

“Damnit I forgot-”

But when the rabbit turned to look at the turtle, he was already gone.

Just like last time..

“USAGI MIYAMOTO OH MY GOD YOU CAN'T JUST GO RADIO SILENT LIKE THAT WHY ARE YOU DRENCHED!?”

Usagi looked down to see that yes, he was indeed drenched.

Aoi must have taken his cloak back before he left..

.

The way back to the hut felt heavier every step he took,

‘Why did I agree to give away my food for this damn rabbit?? Stupid parasite making me do stupid things’

When he arrived at the foot of his home he set down the post and carried the buckets inside before tossing himself onto his couch. He was so tired. So sick of this stupid curse. Of the stupid rabbit.

His body still refused to give in to sleep, his imagination taking a hold of him like a child with its toy,

It's so quiet now. Leo hated the quiet.

Chapter Text

Leo was in a coma for three days after the invasion. The silence was sickening.

He had to be hospitalized for two months after he woke up for the multiple injuries he had sustained during the time he was trapped alone with all of the Kranng’s wrath and attention focused on him and him solely, beating him mercilessly into a pulp. -the slider could still hear his tormentor's voice. And he swears, sometimes it feels like he wasn't truly gone.-

The parasite didn't affect him instantly, instead, it slowly ate away at him, taking bits and pieces he won't ever get back.

Michelangelo was the first to notice. With his short burst of mystic during the invasion it left him momentarily blinded by his brother’s ninpo, he might not be no mystic warrior yet but he always could just seemingly see his brother’s aura, it flowed off them in wisps, each one different than the last, shapes and colors all unique to their owners, so when the slider’s ninpo hit him with full force, he could tell something was wrong.

Like everything was tilted. -changed-

He didn't want to worry the others, he’d thought it would fade away. But it seemed to just keep growing,and kept eating.

Donatello was the second to notice, how could he not? He consistently tracked their health.. And besides. That stupid idiot was his twin! They had a connection! -at least they used too..-

Three months after Leonardo was cleared to leave is when the softshell noticed the change. The slider seemed to consistently be on edge, like all his senses were amped up to 100, not to mention his sudden distaste for artificial lighting, claiming ‘it hurt his head so much he could puke’ therefore, he barely ever used his bedroom light, and although the turtles already had night vision, it wasn't as astute as Leo's newfound vision, he seemingly could just ‘sense ‘ his surroundings, ‘had the prison dimension been so dark that he became adjusted to the void??’

Nonsense, surly.. at least that's what donatello thought. The purple turtle knew his twin already had trouble sleeping but it wasn't like this. He hid in his dark room so much that it was worrying. Which is saying something compared to how much the softshell had spent alone in his for days on end.. It also seemed he was always hungry for something yet they couldn't figure it out, micheal had made him many different meals yet it seemed his hunger just kept growing, oh, and it also seemed that leo was allergic to garlic now, not being able to ‘stand the smell’ which, yes donatello could relate to, but it also made his stomach upset, making most meals when garlic is added, ending up in the waste bucket. 

When Leo started to train again with them after four agonizing months of constant whining, it was clear he was different. His movements were clean and precise, as if he could tell what their next move was going to be before the opponent even did. It drove Donnatello crazy not knowing what was going on. 

Raphael tried not to be too overbearing, he wanted Leo to know he respected the slider’s boundaries and wouldn't pry. He trusted Leo to come to him if he needed to.

But what if he didn't know?

It was driving Raph insane with how quickly his little brother switched from his annoying teenager self to this. The worst part, Leo didn't even seem to notice. Raph missed his brother, he thought that this was just a traumatic response. Cause, well, Raph was pretty sure no one left that battlefield unscathed, especially not the one who took the brunt of it. 

But it still was worrying.

He could tell something was wrong, but he couldn't figure out what.

..

Leonardo Blue Hamato, you either hate him or you don't. The face man, the jokester, the medic, master manipulator and player of his cards, Leo was so many things, and he strived to play each part perfectly. Cause who was he supposed to be if not a one man circus?

But no matter how good the part he played he still messed up when everything he’d ever known in his short 16 year old life was thrown at him, he should have known his luck would run dry. He never was lucky. Just an egoistic, arrogant, naive, pest who somehow wormed its way from the trenches while still kicking and screaming.

Everything happened so fast it hurt his head. He wasn't supposed to be flawed. Why is he malfunctioning now? Because some chewed up wad of bubblegum tormented him and completely fucked up his life? Come on now, the great Leonidas Blue Hamato was better than that.

-so why is it so hard to convince himself of that?-

 He has to change. Who he was before clearly wasn't enough. He was an arrogant fool who didn't listen to a damn thing. (-he really did. He listened to so many things he wish he could forget-)

So why do his brothers look at him like they lost something? Come on! He was right here! It wasn't like they wanted the old guy back right?

...right?..

..

It was supposed to be a nice patrol, to kick out his legs, -be useful for once-

But of course this stupid asshole had to ruin it.

It was meant to be easy. A couple swings, and done. But this idiot charged at leo and somehow cut himself ON leos blade deep. Now, usually it would be fine. It was just blood afterall, the turtles had killed monsters before! But this was different. This was a normal yokai. And something about the iron smell just..

He was so hungry.

He barely recognized the sound of his swords hitting the pavement and the owl’s frightened shout as he lunged.

The fangs that crowned his teeth sunk into the fleshy body and warm liquid pooled into the slider’s mouth. There was noise, probably the owls last call for help, or his brothers yelling.. He really didn't care. He was so hungry. And the taste was welcoming. 

When he came to, he was standing over a limp and cold body that was pinned against the ally wall held lifelessly in his grasp. His teeth still buried into the feathery neck of the owl yet no blood came out... Disappointing.

”..Leo what the fuck..”

That seemed to do the trick because Leo suddenly was very aware of the situation he was in and he quickly unhinged his deathly bite and backed up so quickly he might as well have teleported - spitting out bloody feathers, the fullness in his stomach became sickly. His body shook. ‘What have I done?’

He still refused to look at his brothers. Afraid to see their terrified faces of what they witnessed. Hell he was even terrified himself. 

His emotions came wave after wave, relief and fear crashing over each other relentlessly. It was too much. He looked at the body and back at his hands. Eyes wavering frozen in shock. He didn't remember turning around, but he regretted doing so instantly, the look on his brother's face would forever be engraved in the back of his mind. The way his twin held his body staff in a defensive position but his body betrayed him with slight shakes of the wrist, how his little brother's eyes never left the corpse, even when raph had stepped in front of him to shield the box turtle from the threat. The threat that Raph had watched grow up with him side by side..

‘what have I done?..'

'WHAT THE FUCK HAVE I DONE??'

Everything was black after that.

…

The searing white hot flash of pain that ran down the many splintered cracks in his shell jolted him awake like he’d been electrocuted. 

He groaned, taking a minute for his eyes to adjust to the lighting. ‘Why am In here again??’

Recounting the previous hour it struck him. 

He killed somebody.

His brothers had watched him kill somebody

Bile made its way up his throat threatening to overflow, the slider clasped a hand over his mouth and jumped out of bed, seemingly forgetting about his bad knee until it collapsed underneath the sudden weight, he smacked his chin on the cold sterile floor, hissing in pain as he reached pathetically for the waste bucket before expelling the foul creature. The noise must have been enough to attract unwanted attention because he heard his brother's footsteps rushing towards him, almost frantic.

‘Nonononotheyshouldntcomehereimbadimessedupillhurtthem-’

He didn't even notice he had schooched his was to the furthest corner head on his knees until he heard his twins voice,

“Leo?”

A grunt in response before curling further into himself,

The softshell sighed, attempting to take a step forward before raph stopped him, “what are you doing!? Hes infected he might-” ralphs ramble was cut off as donatello bluntly spoke, “if you are going to tell me to not comfort my clearly distressed dum-dum brother because he’s “infected” and “might hurt us” id like you to rethink your words raphadoo. This is leo were talking about. Sure hes an idiot for not telling us this sooner but hes our brother.” the silence after that was sickening, until raph seemingly agreed and removed his hand from donnie’s shoulder, allowing him to approach the slider.

“Leo”

A beat,

“Did you fall off the bed again? Seriously, we need to instal guard rails if your going to keep attempting to defy gravity”

That seemed to draw a huff from the slider,

The purple twin leaned against the wall and slid down until he was sitting side by side with his other half, it was quiet. The tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a blade,

“Im sorry”

“Dear brother, why are you sorry? Sure you could have NOT killed that yokai but then again, you would have starved and probably deteriorate after six months of no sustenance according to my calculations and previous studies, so a heads up would have been nice before you went all twilight with us”

Raph groaned as Michelangelo chimed in “great. very reassuring don. Now he definitely feels better”

“Well I'm SORRY.’ a scoff, “not all of us are that emotionally attuned as you dear Michael"

That drew a snort from the slider that was otherwise silent during this whole ordeal, lessening the tension from his shoulders, he raised his head to meet his brothers gaze, sniffling,

“I really fucked up this time”

And before the slider knew it, he was in the middle of a swarm of brothers,

“Not more than the usual. Not more than we can handle”

..

Although that moment in the medbay had ended on good terms, it didn't stop the tension from building, the brothers knew what was wrong, but could they fix it? For weeks Donatello searched for cures, rapheal asked everyone who knew them for help, and Michelangelo tried to sedate Leo's hunger “just for a little longer.” But nothing was working.

So in a last ditch effort and in an attempt to be useful for once, Leo visited draxum. (willingly this time.) and all but shook him for clues as to how to kill off this parasite before the goat sighed,

“I might have a suggestion but you're not going to like it..”

The slider stood up, face stern,

“Tell me.”

..

And that's how Leo ended up at the gates of the grand nexus hotel.

He hated this place and big mama’s twisted battle nexus tournaments where she’d purposely sentence monsters, yokai, and humans to their death for her own entertainment. 

But no matter how on edge he felt about this place, he seemed to always end up back here. So he walked, guards trying to stop him, trying to capture him yet his face gave off no reaction as he quickly dealt with them, a little more violently than necessary, but he hadn't had a good opponent to take down since well.. 

Anyways.. The slider made his way to the spider’s office and all but dropped in the unnecessarily extremely cushioned chair in front of bigmamas desk, the latter smiling at him with her disgustingly sweet smile of hers,

“Turtlyboo! How nice of you to visit! It's been an awful long while, i was afraid those nasty pink aliens had gotten to you” she frowned, resting her chin on the back of her hand, turning on his stage game, Leo flashed his award winning smile, “come on Mama, we both know it takes more than that to take the great blue hamato down” that seemed to get a chuckle out of the spider demon, “quite the spunk as always my dear, now tell me, why have you come and made quite a mess with my guards?”

“The same reason anyone comes here mama,’ a mischievous glint shone in the sliders eyes,

“To make a deal”

..

The pact was quite simple to big mama’s standards, leo would come back as the great blue hamato, drawing in crowds, and if he becomes the next great battle nexus star, big mama would give him the cure he needed. 

No loose ends, no changes at the last minute.

It was risky, but this is Leo we're talking about, who would he be if not making a scene?

Now here he was,

Slowly making his way up in ranks.

If leo were honest, he was kinda enjoying himself, it was nice to finally test out his new skills without having to worry about hurting his family,

And at the end, he wasn't hungry, so he could go home with a clear mind.

Not that he would ever tell his brothers that.

They would be horrified, more disgusted with him than they already were.

‘The less they know the better.’

..

This continued underneath his brother's noses for three months. Not that they needed to know. The less of a burden Leo was to them, the better. So, every night he fought in that godforsaken death pit, slowly climbing up the ranks, satisfying his hunger with the dead-

And life was good! His family seemed to ease off seeing that leo was getting better, maybe the parasite is dying off on its own?

Well. It was doing good. Until big mama fucked up the deal after three long hard months, saying she didnt ACTUALLY have all the ingredients for the cure..

Leo was enraged. Who wouldn't be? Big mama led him on! He WAS DOING BETTER.

So in blind anger, he stormed out of the hotel, fighting the attempts of the guards to capture him.

He was angry. So fucking angry. Why couldnt he be useful for once? Instead he was sent on a fucking goose hunt, and then he fucked up the deal with big mama.  

It was only a month in.

And he could feel his hunger growing.

He tried to push it down. He wanted to see his family's proud faces like he had the last three months. They didn't need to know. 

Maybe he could just starve the parasite..

Leo refuses to mess up again.

He didn't want to see the faces of pure terror on his brothers again.

He didn't want to be the cause of that.

..

He was doing so good.

Why did it have to end?

His family was FINALLY okay.

They didn't need to be scared of him.

Why did he have to ruin everything?

.

He was so hungry.

It had only been two months. Come on! He lasted six months before he even knew about it! What was wrong with him??

The parasite needed to eat

..

The hunger was too insatiable to ignore. 

He was doing so well until now.

The lair, once a place that Leo could confide in, was in a state of chaos.

“LEO STOP KNOCK IT OFF” he could hear his brother’s frantic shouts but the sharp pain sting on the shoulder made him focus back on his target.

He was so hungry

A pained yell as he latched his fangs onto his prey.

-mikey was screaming-

“LEO GET OFF OF HIM” 

The last thing Leonardo felt was the taste of blood and two strong hands shoving him away with such force that his old shell injury retaliated.

And when he came back again he was slouched against the wall. His brothers were in front of him a couple feet away- hovered over a familiar furry body soaked with blood.

No..

Mikey was crying, raph had picked up the lifeless mound of fur and ran towards the med bay while Donatello was already on the phone with draxum.

All Leo could do was watch.

.

‘Im a monster’

.

He fucked up. He fucked up big time. He needed to get out. Escape. Get away from this thing.

He didn't know how long he'd been running, his legs searing with fire,

But he needed to get away.

His mind was in a state of panic, fear, it reminded him of when he was stuck with the kraang, constantly stuck in fight or flight, his body at war with himself.

In a last ditch attempt and barely conscious, the slider somehow activated his ninpo without his swords, teleporting himself before sealing himself away.

-That was that last time they felt Leo's ninpo in such strong waves-

.

It was cold. His body was so cold. Why was it so bright? Where was he??

The sudden change in temperature caused him to go into shock, he vaguely remembers seeing the silhouette of a yokai before hitting the cold bitter snow.

Chapter Text

.

Splinter knew he wasn't the most present during his kids' younger years, and he definitely wouldn't win any father of the year trophy's, he wished he was around more when his boys were young and free from the world. He wished he'd listened to purple’s new favorite hyperfixation, he wished he had joined little orange in arts and crafts when the box turtle asked, he wished he didn't make red feel as if he had to carry the whole world on his shoulders.

And blue..

Wild, arrogant, stubborn..

Always having to prove he was worthy of something.

He wished he hugged little blue more, held him when his insomnia had the slider toddle his way to the projection room in hopes that his father would protect him from the monsters in the dark.

Splinter would give anything to hold all his boys in his arms again.

But alas, life was not that kind.

.

Blue had holed himself in his room for two weeks at this point, not touching any of the food orange had given him, not interacting with anyone, as if he's completely shut off..

it broke the old rats heart to see his boy like this, -like him-

His old legs made its way to his baby blue’s room, holding a tray with two cups of some Japanese tea, just like his mother used to make.. -before she left-  steam from the still hot tea curved around the rats face engulfing his senses with chamomile and honey, he knocked on the metal door with his tail before calling out,

“Blue? I have brought you some tea”

No answer.

Well that wasn't gonna do at all, so the rat opened the door to the train car, rat eyes adjusting to the dark space, he vaguely saw a figure sitting on the far edge of his baby blue's bed, crammed and curled up tight against the wall.

‘oh blue..’

“Leonardo..” the rat's voice spoke gently, filled with sadness that made the turtle twitch. He really didn't want anyone here. His hunger made him irrational, but he was a daddy's boy. He always was. Even if said father wasn't necessarily around that much..

The slider let out a short gasp of breath, trying to hold back the tears, he didn't want his father to be worried. Nobody should be worried! He was doing so good.

But he failed. He failed and failed and will always be the failure.

He won't be strong like Raph, smart like Donnie, or even have half the creativity of Mikey! He was a faulty product. Damaged.

He messes everything up. And now he's a monster! The very thing they hated. How could they even look at him the same after that?

-he should have stayed in the prison dimension that way he wasn't a danger to anyone. Monsters like him should be locked up-

The rat’s shoulders sank, as if he was able to read the turtles mind, he went to set the tray on the turtles desk when a sharp edge of the glass tray pricked his finger, clenching his teeth and letting out an audible hiss, he shook his hand a bit, this drawing the attention of the slider who turned his head to asses the situation, thankfully it wasn't like his father had accidently stabbed himself and was bleeding horribly, bad thing. He was still bleeding

Splinter went to turn and face his son when he heard the sudden movement beside him and quickly sidestepped an attack, “blue!? What's going on??” The only thing he got in response was a crazed hiss and very obviously pink irises and pinprick pupils as the turtle tucked and rolled to maintain balance, 

‘blue… why didn't you say something?’

Splinter got into a defensive stance as the slider seemingly sunk into the dark room, splinter never feared his children, seeing they were meant to destroy humanity they were still kids.

And he wasn't going to start now.

His blue was hurt. 

He needed his father.

The misstep that would have fallen silent to untrained ears had splinters ears swivel to the source, raising his arms to block the blow, the turtle’s claws digging into his forearms, “Blue! Snap out of it! This is your father!” He shouted, causing the feral being compassing his son's body to wince at the noise before letting out an animalistic sound, retreating back to the shadows.

Still bleeding, Splinter called out for his son, “Leonardo! You must control this! Please! LITSEN!”

.

Although the rat was once the great lou jitsu, he wasn't anymore. He was old.

He trained his son well. He is proud to say that. 

He just wished he could have saved him.

He had time to correct it. 

But the look in his baby blue’s eyes made him falter in his steps.

So in a last attempt, he held his arms out for him.

‘Baby blue.. Im so sorry i couldnt save you from this’

The pain was imminent.

The searing burn on his head made itself home. 

He heard his other sons running in, they were screaming.

But he didn't let go of his baby blue.

He held him even though he could feel himself getting weaker as his son dug his fangs into his shoulder.

The same shoulder his boy used to rest his weary innocent head on, watching the telenovelas late at night with the projector gently illuminating the small space, showing the small slider that he was safe.

He was safe.

Dad has him.

He wont let go of you again.

Chapter Text

It was cold. So horribly cold.

He could feel the chill seeping into the cracks on his shell, making the year old injury ache in protest.

Another nightmare seemingly trying to pull him back into its tethers,

To distract himself, his half conscious mind started to look around at the unfamiliar four walls, the thin fabric that laid on top of him doing nothing to shield him from the freeze.

The walls were a deep blue that reminded Leo of the ocean, and if he squinted he could make out orange crayon scribbles, only reaching about two feet from the floor, ‘is there a child here??’ a window on the far left wall perpendicular to where leo was laying had white see through curtains that drifted with the morning breeze seeping through the open window, the outside world seemingly coated in a fresh blanket of snow, the window pointing in direction of the woods that were all too enticing, as if beckoning the slider to come and find out what was hidden in the thick brambles..

Before he could continue the train of thought the brown door opened gently, letting out a creak as it moved - the yokai in the doorway was tall. Raph sized tall, and seemingly dressed in purple twilight winter pants and a black clasped shawl with a cowl that currently rested on her shoulders, brown leather cuffs covering her forearms and a weapons belt hanging on her hips which honestly gave her a badass look. (what? Of course the turtle knows style! He isn't THE fashionista for nothing..)

Apart from her clothing the yokai seemed to be an arctic fox, pink makeup taking place on her face like a mask with black eyeliner sharpened her almond eyes making her fox-like snout seem sharper, ‘how does she do her makeup with all that fur? Her eyeliner is literally so sharp it could stab someone damn’

Leo continued his observation, seeing the bushy tail trailing behind her as she held a tray, her yellow eyes also watching the slider. A glance at her shoes made the turtle jump, standing up on the mattress he was laid on before, getting into a defensive stance, grabbing a glass cup from the nightstand, breaking it, and grabbing a sharp piece, all in one fluid motion.

‘HER FEET ARE BACKWARDS! Of course this was too good to be true damnit’

The ciguapa opened her mouth to speak looking shocked (obviously a trick. leo aint falling for that) but was cut off almost instantly by leo, “NOT TODAY DEMON LADY I'M NOT FALLING FOR THIS I'M ATTRACTED TO MEN. MENNNN. YOU HEAR ME!? THAT MEANS IM IMMUNEE” the slider shouted, enunciating very clearly at the fact he liked men..

The ciguapa yokai, clearly stunned, broke the tension when she kneeled over before bursting out with laughter, which caused the slider's grip on the sharp glass to slightly waver in confusion before he became redder than his stripes. 

“What- what are you laughing at!?” that turtle sputtered out, the infected yokai gasping for breath,between fits of laughter, “..this seems like bullying. Are you homophobic? Seriously? Thats low even for you”

“No no that's not it” the demon spoke in Japanese ‘huh.. is she bilingual ?’ as she wheezed in between breaths, standing up and snickering behind her hand, "I didn't expect you do react like that thats all” she said, smiling, leo’s glass shard was still pointed at her, but its owner wore a confused face,

“Wait so you’re NOT going to try and lure me and eat my guts??” Leo replied in Japanese, thanking his father for teaching him SOMETHING that was useful besides the ninjitsu,

“Pff- no. I mean, yeah I still do that sometimes but I got my potion today so you're good, besides, I'm not very keen on the vampire variety.. it seems weird”

“Eating people IS weird” leo spoke, lowering the shard,

“Well yeah but we got to survive somehow” the ciguapa fox shrugged, 

Leo, still reeling in from the encounter, dropped back down into a seating position on the mattress.

“Okay okay.. So if you aren't going to eat me. Why am I here?”

“Uh you passed out in the snow like, right in front of me dude.”

 Leo’s mind went back to the events leading up to this, he felt nauseous all of the sudden, stomach swirling with guilt and grief, “oh. Yeah..” he looked away, staring at a wall, eyes holding back a storm, his head swirling with memories he’d rather forget. 

(-like the taste of his father’s blood and the cold limp body held in his claws-)

The fox yokai looked at him with sadness, as if she could see the horrible things his mind plagued him with, as if somehow she could also relate..

But that was impossible. Nobody could relate. He was here in this prison alone. 

With himself as his own warden.

Clearing her throat and successfully breaking Leo out of his train of thought she spoke, “so. What's your name?”

Leo was going to respond before he stopped himself, reassessing the state he was in,

My name? I can't give her my name..she's a demon! She could use it to put a curse on me or out me to someone who wants to-’

“Aoi”

‘great job Leo yeah tell the Japanese speaking demon that your name is literally fucking blue in japaneese That's not suspicious at all-’

“Well ‘Aoi’. I'm Alopex, the village’s Apothecary slash Witch slash babysitter”

Thankfully, Alopex seemed none the wiser about the suspicious name, or at least decided against commenting about it, which honestly, had Leo a bit relieved. 

 Then alopex reached into her pocket and pulled out a glass vial filled with an orange liquid.. what?

“Here. . drink this, you are probably really hungry after sleeping for two days straight.” She tossed the vial over, clearly not caring if it broke cause she expected this RANDOM TURTLE SHE JUST MET TO CATCH IT-

‘Wait two days!?’

“It's been two days?? Also what is this??” leo spoke, eyes wide as he obviously caught the vial and was now swirling the mixture inside around,

“Its a hunger suppressant thingy.. Supposed to help you control your hunger but you have to use it in moderation or it'll kill you” she said completely seriously. 

“Wait hunger like..” he pointed at his fangs, to which she responded with a nod, “yup! But you’ll still have to eat sometimes, it's not a permanent fix, it just, delays it,” she further spoke

‘Huh.. why does she have this yet big mama couldn't figure it out??’

“How many other people know of this potion?” he asked, kind of bitter about the whole big mama fiasco,

“Not many, just us in the village, which honestly isn't that big.”

“Are they.. You know.. Like us?”

“Hm? Oh yeah! And the best part is that this village is hidden! So no hunters or other yokai can find it! No idea how you got in though since you don't have a key or anything..”

It was quiet as Leo popped the top off the bottle and smelling it, it smelled horrible.

‘Oh well.. If this doesn't kill me the town of demons surely will’

Downing it in one gulp, it did indeed taste as horrible as it smelled, and Leo's face must have been giving away to his discomfort because aleopex snickered before walking to the window and shutting it,

“Sorry if you woke up from the cold, you were running high fever last night so i opened it”

Becoming more aware with his surroundings he took notice to the chill on his scales,

His skin was prickling from the cold, honestly, he didn't really mind the cold, it just made him groggy, Mikey had it worse out of all of them since he was a box turtle and all..

Thinking about his brothers made his stomach sink again into the empty void, he could feel the holes in his heart, each one felt like an agonizing tear in him, like part of himself was taken and he couldn't even get it back..

“Hey if your feeling better you should come with me to the bakery, gotta pick up some groceries and no offense, but i dont really wanna leave a stranger in my house”

Refocusing on the fox in front of him he paused for a minute to long before shaking his head and standing off the bed “yeah, yeah i can come” 

Aloepex took a minute to scan him over before tilting her head,

“ Did you perhaps bring some clothes? Cause nobody is gonna let you walk around like this”

Leo looked down at himself, embarrassed for no reason and rubbed the back of his head while looking at the older demon’s gold eyes

“Uhh.. do you mind if i borrow something-? Kind of was not preparing for this entire trip-..”

The fox only let out a snort in response, holding up a finger and walking out of the room, coming back with a stack of clothes. If this was a cartoon, Leo's eyes would have been practically bulging out of his eye socket with how many articles of clothing there was to choose from.

“I- you didn't need to bring this much- a simple sweater would have been fine really!-”

“Shut up and take the clothes kappa”

“Seriously? A water demon?”

Aleopex only shrugged and left, shutting the door and leaving Leo with the pile of clothes.

‘What the hell did i get myself into..’

Chapter Text

The demo- Alopex’s clothing options was varied, seemingly gathered from everywhere..

Leonardo picked up the cotton black bolero top rubbing the fabric between his thumb and index fingers, ‘damn, she fr got style’

~

The trek in the village wasn't as bad as Leo thought, a contrast of endless snow as he could see from the window, the paths were cleared and there were no traces of chill or snow. ‘Huh.. maybe the barrier also affects weather?’

Unfortunately, Leo had left his katana’s at the lair when he went.. Well insane, therefore he was unarmed. And that thought spiked tension in the slider, glancing every which way, eyes on any suspicious activity that could be caused in a village full of monsters..

It didn't help that he decided to go with all black attire making him stand out against the colorful town. His mind raced with every possible action that could occur, but overall, the village seemed peaceful. Which was odd to say the least. You’d think a village full of blood lusting monsters would be a nightmare. But instead you get families taking a stroll with their children, monsters casually chatting with one another, music playing from a nearby venue, everyone seemed friendly. Despite what they looked like.

‘I thought they were supposed to be mindless beasts.. Why do they look so.. Empathetic?’

The thought made leo’s storm of guilt worsen but with another thought,

‘Were we in the wrong?’

Somehow, his shell seemed to get heavier the deeper he traversed into his mind.

.

“What are you thinking about kappa?”

“Not a kappa” leo mumbled in response, watching the white fox move along the grocery vendors, occasionally tossing leo food to put in the basket he carried, it still baffled him how much trust she was putting into his catching skills..’seriously..’

Alopex’s muzzle turned upwards for a minute, glancing back before turning to face the slider before taking a concerned look,

“You’ve been unnaturally tense this whole trip, and also glancing at the alley to the left every 2 ½ minutes like someone's gonna ambush you. So seriously. What's up?”

‘Wait. she's been watching me this whole time!?’

Stuck, Leo opened his mouth before closing it, clearly unsure of how to respond, alopex took pity of him and sighed, “you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, im not gonna force you to talk about your problems to someone you only met consciously a couple of hours ago dont worry” alopex reassured the slider, the latter clearly thankful for the way out, nodding in acknowledgement before looking into the basket and pulling out an item that was earlier placed in the cart, 

“So.. why do we need leftover scraps of turkey? Specifically the foot..”

The distraction was welcomed between the party, 

“Oh, it's an ingredient I need for the elixir, you know, the one you drank? Yeah well that was my last one, and being the town’s go-to witch I'm gonna need more.”

Leo dropped the bird foot back in the basket making a disgusted and sticking out his tongue,

“I DRANK that!?” 

Alopex smiled, “more like it’s claws slash toenails”

This made the slider freeze up making a worse face and causing alopex to laugh before walking to her next target.

.

“So Kappa, have you ever had Awmori?”

“A what?”

“Awmori. A drink.. you know.. Alcohol?”

“Oh no,’ Leo waved his hands while shaking his head, “im underage so..”

“Wait, how old are you?” alopex stopped while they were on their way back to her home, the sun was going down, painting the sky in a vibrant orange,

“Uh 18?”

“Oh phew i didnt want someone to think i kidnapped a kid- anyway, thats the legal age here so..” the fox continued walking, leo following behind,

“ Hey, I'm not THAT much smaller than you!” the slider retorted,

“Eh okay kappa” she snickered

“.. how old are you?”

“Twenty two” the fox spoke, 

“Oh cool”

“Want to go grab a drink? You seem to need it with how tense you’ve been”

“.. sure yeah why not.” the turtle shrugged, if he didn't die from the monster village, a drink wasn't going to hurt him.. At least he was pretty sure. And who knows? Maybe it'll stop that damn voice in the back of his mind that haunted him constantly.

..

Okay so the Awmori did not in fact help, and oh! Leo found out he was a "lightweight" or whatever that meant.. Alopex kept calling somebody named Aoi apparently? It was getting annoying. What is taking that guy so long? Also, where are his brothers? Ough raph would NOT like to see Leo drunk like this.. He had like what? Two drinks? That's WAYY less than what this funny fox lady took. Honestly everything looked funny right now. “Hehe- and THAN *hiccup* don was all like- *hiccup* dont touch my stuff leooo or get out of my room! Then BOOM he slammed the door in my face. Can you believe that!?” he rambled drunkenly while making exaggerations with his hands as Alopex listened along, honestly she would usually drink till she blacked out but she knew her limit, and this guy OBVIOUSLY didn't know his. so she’ll stay the sober one for once. The Aoi seemed to need it, and someone needed to be able to get him safely to bed.

“Wait wait who’s this Leo guy? Is that another one of your siblings”

“Ohhh he’s a total bitchhh *hiccup* hate that guy fuck him” he slurred in response,

Alopex laughed “yeah okay kappa”

“Anywayyy where was I? Oh yeahhh then mikey was making these tiny dolls *hiccup* so cool he can do that *hiccup* i love my brothers so muchhhh”

“But not Leo?”

“Noooo fuck that guy oh hey you! Can i get anotha one of these" he spoke, stretching across the table waving a glass to a waitress, the waitress in response looked to be the only sober one at the table, “No Aoi i think thats enough for you. You're literally a blabbering mess right now” alopex patted the turtle's shell, at some point he had stated he was too hot and took both the cloak and cowl off, leaving only the long sleeve bolero and cuffed hakama trousers. “Awww nooo i wanna get him to stop talkinggg” he whined, this made alopex confused as the waitress left, “what do you mean he? No one else with us”

“Nuh uhhh the guy right thereee” he pointed at a seemingly ill lited area of the bar. 

There was no one there.

‘Okay that's not concerning at all’

“Hey Leo, I think we should head back okay? You don't seem too good.”

“Awwwhh fine *hiccup* lemme just grab my sword real quick-”

The turtle seemed to reach to his side to grab where he thought his sword was, when the slider didn't feel the hilt of the sword make contact with his hand his eyes widened as large as a drunk man could, his demeanor completely changed, you probably wouldn't think he was drunk if it wasn't for the slight wobble and slurring of speech. “Wuh-where-”

“Aoi you didnt have a sword”

“Nuh noo i did hold on” he tried looked around more frantically before setting eyes on the fox in front of him, the pure terror in his eyes freaked her out

“Hey aoi- i think you need to calm down-”

“WHERE IS MY SWORD? WHERE- WHERE'S RAPH? DONNIE??”

Alopex pinned her ears back with the sudden volume as he stood up looking around, his eyes filled with tears

“Nuh- no where am I? D-dad?”

Alopex stood up rubbing Leo's shoulder 

“Hey hey its okay we will find them dont worry”

.

Everything was loud. He couldn't hear anything other than the other bar patrons and loud music, the colors are funny, did he mention everything looked funny? He wanted his brothers.

At some point the nice fox lady had led him outside saying she would help look for them! That was so kind of her to do! Leo really appreciated how nice she was. Usually people didn't want anything to do with him. 

He really couldn't walk right so he had an arm slung around the white yokai,  his vision was blurry, was he poisoned or something?

Oh.. there's that guy again. What did he want?

.

.

His fangs sinking into his father’s flesh. The screams of his brothers. -the prison dimension-

.

.

“Aoi? Aoi hey- hey look at me” Alopex was patting a unresponsive slider that had curled up into a ball protecting his head, “Aoi i need to know if your alright- aoi please-”

.

.

The feeling of being ripped away from his only home

.

.

Was he crying? He really didn't wanna cry in front of this nice yokai- he didn't want to scare her off- he wasn't a bad person-

.

.

His brothers. They hate him. He killed his father. He ruined them. He was a bad person.

.

.

His breathing stopped. 

“Hey hey man you gotta breathe-”

His eyes, haunted, empty and red from the never ending stream that flowed from his face.

“I.. I'm a horrible person.”

“What?”

“Aloe.. i.. I'm a murderer.”

The confession seemed to halt sound. Alopex took the words in, clearly her friend was not in a good state right now. She breathed out,

“Thats okay”

“What?”

“Ive.. ive dont some bad things too. I understand.”

“No, no how could you POSSIBLY understand!?” he sobbed, the fox’s ears pin back once more,

“You don't know how many LIVES I have stapled to MY name! How many FAMILIES I've left BROKEN. Because of ME! Because OF MY STUPID CHOICES. HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLE UNDERSTAND!? HOW COULD YOU UNDERSTAND IF YOU WERNT THE CAUSE OF AN ENTIRE FUCKING APOCOLYSE?”

Each word heaved out of him like poison.

It was quiet, both sides now crying, heaving because of the tension.

“I. i may not know your story kappa, i may never know. But I promise you. You aren't alone.”

A beat.

“I used to have a child.”

Leo’s gaze met hers, just two people beaten and wounded by life, thrown through the trenches and just barely crawling out with nothing to them but their name.

“H.her name was Zanna. She she was my entire world” she sobbed

“Then I became this. I was scared. But I had her, you know? She was safe”- “we didn't have much. Between the transformation and the hunger i could no longer work.-’ “I was the monster. SHE was a kid.” rage and sadness filled her words, 

“I couldn't save her. There wasn't enough time. She was RIGHT THERE.  I couldn't take it. I- i wanted to be with her-”

…

“..i i-m sorry”

It was dark. Both parties heaving after their drunken confessions,

“How old was she?..”

“Two.”

..

“Its not your fault you did everything you could.”

.

“Its not yours either”

At this point they were sitting side by side, tears dried and numb, just feeling the cold wall on their back from the winter outside seeping in during the night, the two friends bumped their heads together. Listening to the sounds of the sleeping earth.

No words needed to be spoken.

..

It's not your fault.

Chapter Text

.
Karai watched her grandchild slowly deteriorate, slowly tearing himself whether he realized it or not.
And when she saw what had happened she knew she had to make a choice and fast.
The sliders azure blue walls were already stacking higher on each other. Like a tower meant to keep a prisoner.
She couldnt leave him alone, she knew what torture the mind can succumb too. Especially in a child.
So in a last ditch effort she separated herself from her families familiar ninpo and chased the little lost lamb that had been scared from the storm,
She knew the lamb would run off the cliff, so with the last bit of fire outside the walls, she changed its path, squeezing herself through the prison walls before it trapped her there permanently.
She can't go back.
She could already feel the shift when the thread had been cut. Severing her and her lost child from the rest.
The said child’s soul cried in its prison, hidden in its shell.
“Oh my child..” she spoke withing the confines of the walls, startling the small slider, probably only five, peeking his messy snot ridden face out of his shell along with his other limbs,
“What are you doing here? You shouldn't be here! Big Leo doesn't want anyone here!” he screamed, although his voice wavered- his knees were scraped up, bits of blue ninpo floating off of him, tears floating around him
“What happened little blue?” she said crouched in front of the child, gently rubbing his arm, tracing the glowing yellow stripes and looking at his milky white eyes and the neverending flow of tears,
“I don't know. We were running- i was bad-bad- i shouldn't have hidden away- than I wouldn't be alone in here-”
“My child. You are not alone, I am here, but what made you hide away in the first place?” The little slider had crawled into her lap, karai holding the small spirit in her arms, encompassing him, sheltering him from whatever had scared him.
“The pink monster was here- he was hurting big leo- i got scared and hid away and then big leo lost control and hurt daddy! He didn't mean it! Don't hurt him please! Its my fault!-”
“Shhh I know he didnt mean it. Its not your fault either little lamb, you were scared, im sorry it took so long for me to find you”
The child tried rubbing away his tears, his mystic form drifting apart slowly, making him smaller, he sniffled, “i- im tired gramma but i dont want to leave big leo-”
“You can rest dear, ill watch over him i promise”
.
even while he slept, the child’s tears never stopped
.
‘Oh my child.. Im so sorry’

-

The morning after came with a massive shitty hangover, Leo groaned flopping onto his other side away from the sun that rolled in from his window uninvitingly,
‘I should have never even touched that damn bottle-’
What was worse, is that his headache made the footsteps that were making their way to the room amplified, hitting all corners in his mind, sending spikes of pain in retaliation.
The door eventually opened and in came a familiar face, alopex. Holding a tray of something that honestly smelled really good- but Leo didn't want to open his eyes, the sun was making it nearly impossible to open them without feeling as if they were being burned,
“Morning sunshine” the fox sang, way to happy about the current predicament,
Leo only groaned in response.
“Ohhh you got a nasty hangover didn't you. Well, that's your fault for drinking like your life depended on it”
Leo decided to give her a finger, which earned a snicker from her,
“Come on, sit up, I got some meds that'll help and also! Food! Yayyy! Thank you so much alopex your the best for caring for my sorry ass”
The slider dug his snout further into the pillow, making alopex huff, before going quiet.
Too quiet.
Leo had younger brothers. He knew what that meant. But it didn't help him from dodging the sudden weight as alopex fully jumped into him with her whole weight.
“AA- GET OFF YOU ARE TOO HEAVY-” he shouted although he was making no move to get her off, she really wasn't that heavy, well maybe if you weren't a mutant that had a 500 something ton brother you’d say differently-
“Nahhh this is what you get for being a sour crout”
“FINE ill get up geeez” he relented,
“Thank you” alopex said victoriously, hopping off the turtle’s shell and walking over to where she left the tray,
“So what's your deal with this Leo guy?” alopex said jokingly, not noticing the slider tensing up at the name
‘How the fuck-’
“What?-”
“You were REALLY adamant about hating him haha then you would switch to talking about your brothers, honestly they seem sweet the way you talk about them you must love them alot, they seem like they love you alot too honestly i wouldnt be surprised if they were looking for you right now-” she said half heartidly, not seeing how Leo's face noticeably paled as she continued, “but really what's your deal with Leo?" she asked, confused with a smile, she was looking at him, ‘why is she looking at me? Oh yeah that was a question. She asked a question- damnit leo fix your face- answer her it's rude to ignore her- but what would i say?- oh yeah leo is actually me and i hate myself, i must have drunk too much damnit what is wrong with drunk me??’
“No.”
“What?” alopex replied, unsure of what he meant, leo seemed to have that emptiness in his eyes again, not the ones he had last night as he animatedly talked her ear off about his family.. Alopex’s heart hurt for the kid, he was only eighteen and already had that look of an 80 year old war vertran..
“My brothers. they aren't going to look for me” he stated, cold and sharp. Alopex’s ears swiveled for a minute, unsure of how to answer,
“..Oh” was all she could say, chest hurting for the turtle. The contrast between what she saw last night and now was terrifying. ‘What had caused him to lose so much life?’

.
.

Days turned to weeks, weeks into months, Leo had grown accustomed to the new life, helping alopex at the coven, grabbing groceries, even talking to some of the villagers.
It seemed he wasn't as tense as he was before, the way his shoulders went down to a somewhat relaxed state, how he showed off his sassy attitude sometimes when a spark of competition ignited between the two friends,
Alopex was glad she had helped the turtle feel at least a bit better, she didn't need to know his life story to know that he's been through some shit. But now he had her, and she had him. They were not the most likely duo, but fate put them together when they needed a friend the most.
Leo seemed to be enjoying having something to prove his worth, getting himself into meaningless tasks like helping the farmers harvest their crops or giving the neighbors their package from the brewing stand, and lately, he's been helping out in the clinic, stitching up patients and sending them off both figuratively and literally,
Alopex liked their little ragtag duo team, she liked being able to see a part of Leo that had been shoved to his furthest corners, in her mind, Leo was kind, compassionate, eager, yeah he was brass and can be snarky but he was her friend. She didn't need to know what happened, and Leo never asked her about hers, they were at peace just being in each other's company.
So that's why one sunny day when they sat beside a tree on a hill inside the village border it surprised her when the slider spoke,
“Do you think monster hunters are doing the right thing?” he said head resting on his forearms that were crossed and resting on his pulled up knees, alopex laying beside him watching the sky, her fur swayed in time with the grass and wind, right ear flicked towards leo as her tail twitched, a sign when she was thinking about something deep, leo usually didn't open up about his thoughts so it made her feel special when he did.
“I think.. That they are misguided. I mean, I know there are some really bad monsters out there but is that really a reason to kill us all? Clearly some of us still have the ability to rationalize. We aren't just mindless creatures. We didn't ask to be this way”
A pause,
“Yeah.. but what if we did something really bad? What if we deserved it?”
“If a scared and injured dog bites another dog in fear or blind pain, does that dog deserve to be put down or does it deserve a chance to heal?”
..
“My name isn't actually Aoi”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah.”
It was quiet, and unspoken trust between the two, they listened to the sounds of earth, the distant laughter of the village down the hill. Alopex could hear the turtle take a deep breath before exhaling, the fox continued to watch the clouds pass by, a lion, a face of a lady, a caterpillar, she pointed them out telling leo what she thought they were, the two laughing when Leo pointed out something profane,
Alopex didn't need to know his real name.
She knew that he was kind.

Chapter Text

After that day by the tree on the outskirts of the border, alopex could tell leo was warming up to the village, no longer looking at them as if they’d slaughter him if he looked away a second too long, sure there were days when that empty look in his eyes were more prominent but alopex had he days too. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be by their side and ride out the waves.

Alopex pretends not to hear his cries at night when the slider finally allows himself a moment of rest, it hurts her heart not to be able to comfort her friend, but she didn't want to overstep the fragile trust that they had built in a few short months.

Sometimes, when they both felt down, they’d head to the village bar- it wasn't exactly the healthiest decision they could make as they always ended up with nasty migraines the next day but it stopped the feelings in the moment. It stopped the grief and pain.

So what's the harm in a little dose every once in a while?

It was during on of these nights where leo was the one to bring up the idea after noticing the ciguapa looking worse for wear, 

It ended up with the fox dancing on the bar table with her crowd of drunkards around her cheering her on, Leo laughed when the fox pulled him up onto the makeshift stage dancing to some corny rock song, the crowd cheered louder as Leo joined in, it was fun. It was times like those where Leo's thoughts didn't have the time to wander into the dark corners of his mind, he just lived. 

The day after that late night party, the village seemed to be quieter than normal, the tension in the air was hard to breathe and it seeped into some dormant animal instinct of Leo's turtle brain. It was fear. He hadent felt fear this pure since well..

‘Why were they afraid?’

Alopex had run out of migraine medicine, and Leo offered to get more, the fox basically sobbed with gratitude and hugged the turtle before promptly passing out on the couch, 

Leo huffed with amusement after the fox fell asleep and made his way to grab his outdoor clothes, the sky looked grey and dark, ‘is it going to rain? Maybe I should bring an umbrella-.. Nah ill be quick its not that far..’

He did not make it back in time. And leo stood there, caught in the cursed downpour, freezing his tail off while rushing back with the medicine, ‘why the fuck were all the stores closed??? They don' t close because of rain’ so thus, the turtle had to walk all the way to the other side of the village just for a bottle of pills. ‘She better appreciate this im gonna be sick-’

As he was walking, a figure caught his eyes, causing him to freeze in spot as if he were caught by raph with his hand in a cookie jar when he was a kid.

‘What the hell?..’

It was a child at the edge of the village, shivering and coughing, clearly sick,

But the problem was, Leo doesn't recognize him. And Leo knew everyone from the small village..

The kid didn't have any obvious features that would point him as a monster. He looked like a normal yokai kid. But that didn't make sense, how could a yokai kid enter the border?..

Regardless, the kid needed help. And Leo wasn't going to ignore him.

Is this why the villagers were afraid?

He stood in front of the kid the was curled up on its side- a russet brown weasel, 

‘’Huh..’

He crouched down and shook the kid, “hey hey kid can you talk?” 

The red furred yokai only wetly coughed in response,

‘Shit i gotta get him outta the rain..’

He didn't feel fear when he looked at the sick child, but he did feel rage. Not towards him, but towards the villagers of the town,

mad at the villagers for being too paranoid to see the clearly sick and injured child, so he wrapped the russet furred kid and ran to the home alopex and him currently resided in for the past six months, barging the door open in time with the thunder, causing the fox to jump a good foot or two in the air from where she sat awake on the couch,

“TITAN’S DAUGHTER- AOI WHAT THE FUCK?” she stared at him for a minute before accessing how his cloak was bundled up in his arms, he was soaking wet and huffing as if he was ran a marathon, Alopex knew turtles can't handle cold well, and it was snowing outside the barrier, so the rain would have felt like sharp ice.

“Aoi?? What the heck??” she repeated standing up and following the frantic turtle

The turtle gave no response but did tilt the bundle in his arms towards her, the sight made her freeze.

Red fur.

Weasel.

The turtle continued his trek to the bathroom, turning the warm water and setting the dirtied child and cloak into the shallow pool that formed, 

Steam filled the room and the coughing coming from the unconscious child seemed to lessen,

‘Good.. the steam is helping.. Pizza supreme, how long was he out there??’ 

Leo was only out there for thirty minutes and was already feeling the signs of winter, but it wasn't this bad

He would be surprised if the kid didn't have pneumonia or something worse-

From where she stood in the hallway alopex shook out of her thoughts and began to walk towards the room slowly, ‘I can't deal with this right now. This kid obviously isn't her. Get it together. You saw her die right in front of you-’

Turning the corner successfully broke her out of her trance, looking at the kid that was probably no more than three, with aoi looking as if he was ready to pass out along with him.

“Here let me watch him. You need to get out of those wet clothes. We can't afford you getting sick too.” alopex said, taking a seat next to him, reaching in the tub to adjust the makeshift towel pillow underneath the child’s head and poured a cup of hot water over his still sleeping body. It WAS strange that the kid didn't seem to have any monster type features. Just a normal kid. (like mushroom-)

It confused her. ‘How did a normal child get past the border??’

Although that question will have to wait. Right now she needs to focus on getting the kid back to healthy again..

Chapter Text

.

The strange child had woken up three hours later in a warm blanket nestled on the furry fox’s arms by a fire that Alopex had started when the kid was safe enough to be brought out of the steamy bathroom,

His blue eyes and dilated pupils staring at the dozing fox,

‘Fluffy..’

He ran his paws on the older yokai’s arm, he liked fluffy things.. Mama was fluffy too.

‘Where is mama?’ all he remembered was screaming and then some big men snatched him up. He was so scared. And then it was cold.

There was a faint figure making his way towards him before he fell asleep, he could feel them shaking him, trying to get a response.. But he was so tired.. ‘They wouldnt be mad if i took a nap right?..’

Then he was covered by something warm before his senses gave out.

And now he was here.. But this yokai didn't smell like the stranger, but the smell did seem to be nearby.. 

So gently, he crawled out of the warm nest, carefully avoiding the bushy white tail. He really liked her tail.

And so, he continued his trek across the unfamiliar home, everything was big compared to his three year old size, it was kind of nerve wracking but he didn't let that stop him. Following his nose to the source,

He turned a corner looking around the small room, a window on his right and a bed shoved in the left, a nightstand and desk in front of him and deep blue encompassed the walls, he looked around before laying eyes on the bed again, where a heaping figure laid under thee blankets, chest rising and falling with each breath.

‘Found him! Mama would be so proud!’

Cheering mentally he walked quickly on his stubby legs towards the bedside where he encountered a problem..

The bed was as tall as him!

But Zachary was too stubborn for his age to let that stop him..

.

Leo woke up in the evening to the sounds of a very familiar frantic ciguapa’s footsteps before they landed in front of the doorway, slowly he sat up  on his elbows in disoriented and not really processing what happened a few hours prior,

“AOI WHERES MUSH-” alopex’s shout cut off when she spied the small child that was sound asleep on top of the turtle, the turtle.

“Wha- who? What time is it” the turtle groaned rubbing his eyes,

He took a second to breathe before remembering the events that happened earlier today,

Eyes wide, he looked back at alopex “wait where's the kid!?” he was about to jump up before the heavy weight on his chest mumbled and moved,

Leo practically stopped breathing as he turned his neck to see the russet furred mongoose kid. 

‘How..?’

“YOU” he hissed quietly at alopex, “Did you set me up for this!?” 

Alopex shook her head and waved her hands, although that was very much something she would do, “no i just woke up and he was gone! Although that would be a pretty funny prank..” 

“No it wouldn't be!- what gets him off!!” he scowled, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, alopex just snickered,

“No its against the rules”

“What rules??”

“If a child uses you as a mattress you can't move them”

“THATS FOR CATS YOU IDOT” he whisper yelled, alopex sushing him in the process

“Okay okay dontt get your pants in a bunch im coming” she responded, walking towards the bed and extracting the sleepy kid, said kid whined in response before settling into alopex’s fur.

“Geez he could beat you in how much he sheds,” Leo said brushing off the red fur that stubbornly clung to him, only snorted and left the room, leaving a scowling emo turtle behind.

.

It's been a month since the two friends had found the russet furred mongoose, alopex taking up the role of naming the kid since it didn't seem to even know his name, 

Honestly Leo would say that “Zachary” wasn't really a japanese name but who is he to judge? He spent most of his time avoiding the kid anyways..

Alopex would ask him to grab stuff and he would, he continued on with his normal life but the stubborn kid seemed to try and follow him everywhere with those big blue eyes.

(-he hated it it reminded him of his baby brother-)

He couldn't get attached. It would end up badly for everyone involved. And besides he the kid might still have a normal yokai family waiting for him! He very much should be with them instead of a monster village. No matter how comfortable Leo might be with the village, it was no place for a yokai child.

“Aoiii i got to deliver a bunch of orders can you watch zach?”

“What?? Why can't I just deliver the packages?”

“Because I can tell your knee is acting up again and you need to rest kappa.”

“.. fine”

“Thank you bestie love ya” alopex said way too gleefully before rushing out the door, leaving behind the grumbling turtle on the couch while Zachary played with some toys on the floor.

(leo would deny it but he was the one who bought him the toys)

The villagers still were in a panic, not knowing how the child managed to get in the border, so it limited the interactions the poor child could have, honestly leo pitied the kid.

Huffing, he turned his head to look at the child only now realizing that he was also watching him with wide eyes, he could see the resemblance between the kid and mikey, perhaps because they both had those bright blue eyes that shone like the sun..

It made Leo's heart swell with loss. He missed them terribly..

‘You deserve it. You're a monster.’

Leo squeezed his eyes and shook his head, he really couldn't afford to have a mental breakdown just by looking at him. It wasn't even fair, the kid doesn't need to see that.

He looked back and watched the weasel who went back to playing with his toys.

‘The kid deserves more than what I can give him. Mikey deserved more-’

.

.

.

He could have torn his heart out and served it on a silver platter, still beating and everything, but it still wouldn't be enough to ever match up to the shining stars that he can't even call family. He didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve them.

.

.

.

Alopex could tell aoi was down, but they couldn't really drink their problems away now, but the fox had other ideas on how she could brighten the slider’s mood.

Aoi had always taken a liking to the weapon and blacksmith stores, stating he used to have a pair of dual katanas before he came here, at the time she laughed off the idea of leo being a ninja, but honestly it made sense with how he consistently surveyed every area unconsciously, or how she wouldn't notice him with his light steps even with the creaking wood specifically to alert her to intruders,

So while she strolled by the vendors and delivered packages she made a quick stop at the blacksmith.

-

A couple weeks had gone by since Leo was put up to watch the little kid. Honestly, no matter how much he denied being affectionate towards Zachary, he didn't mind the weasel yokai. 

But it didn't really help his status as the mysterious guy in the village with a bright and eager kid following him everywhere..

He was told by alopex to meet her by the tree in the outskirts of the town, and Leo couldn't really afford to leave the kid so he brought him with. The younger kid basically bouncing with joy from having his attention.

“Alright weirdo, what do you want” Leo called out to the fox when she was in earshot, the latter flicking her ears towards his voice before smiling, clearly holding something behind her back.

“Soooo you know how I asked you to watch Zachary a couple weeks ago?”

“You mean the time when you basically ditched me?” leo raised and eyebrow, alopex’s tail swayed by her side

“Yeah well i got you something to make up for it”

In that moment alopex could have sworn she saw leo’s eyes light up for a second before he went back to his resting bitch face, it brought a smile to her eyes to see a reaction from the turtle that WASN'T while he was heavily intoxicated, even if it was for a slight second.

“Okay? Show me” he said, trying to sound apathetic but the slight urgency in his voice betrayed his cool demeanor, 

“Say please” alopex smiled teasing her friend, the turtle rolled his eyes but his snout twitched upwards slightly, “alright, Please” he responded, crossing his arms, Zachary confused as to who Leo wasn't holding his hand before darting off to catch the cricket that had caught his attention.

“Since you asked so nicely..” alopex revealed the blacksmith bag that she had hidden behind her back, Leo's eyes went wide with childlike anticipation, “is that- oh my gosh gimme-” he said practically bouncing as alopex out the bag in his hands,

If Leo was younger he would have practically bawled his eyes out with the gift, he didn't normally get gifts, growing up in the sewers and everything, and it was very rarely (practically never) that someone actually took note of his interests. So yeah. So what if the severely traumatized turtle got a little misty eyed? 

The bag held a weapons belt with an array of different pouches that were good for storing items and small weapons, a sharpening stone, a tanto, and what almost made him break down sobbing in the fox’s arms,

Dual katanas. 

They were standard, nothing like the old ones he summoned from ninpo but it still made his lip quiver,

Apparently alopex must have taken his reaction the wrong way,  “oh no is the gift bad? I i can take it back sorry i didnt mean to-”

“No no it's.. It's amazing aloe.. Thank you” he cut her off rubbing his eyes, sniffling and looking to meet his friend in the eyes,

The fox’s shoulders slump  with relief that her friend liked his gift, “oh Aoi come here” she said, arms open, 

Normally Leo didn't accept physical contact, not that he was touch adverse like his twin, he was actually the opposite- but because he didn't feel he deserved it. 

But right now all he had in his mind was 

‘I need a damn hug’

So what harm would it do to bypass it just once?

Chapter Text

.

The wind howled like a banshee shriek, each flake a needle prick against their exposed skins, the brutal wind threatened to steal their breaths, screaming with the effort on pushing forward into the deep snow that fights for control of their feet,

The tension hung heavy thoughts of turning back seemed greater at every passing minute.. ‘Does this guy even know what he's doing?’

Every movement was a deliberate act of will, the last of their breaths puffing out in forms of the unknown.

“Are you sure this is the way?” one man gruffly shouted over the storm,

“You are welcome to turn back now and go home. But I am keeping the prize” their leader spoke sharply and determined, following a pair of small footsteps until they seemed to disappear, their leader’s face turned up into some type of twisted grin like a cat finding its trophy.

.

.

bingo.

-

The night that took so many innocent lives started so sickingly quiet.

Leo always hated the quiet.

The village full of monsters were caught unaware.

No one knows who their first victim was.

It was a massacre.

A flood of red seemingly filled the streets,coating the walls and ground in its filth as screams of terror bled out into the night.

This was supposed to be their home. Their sanctuary.

What went so horribly wrong?

The hunters were relentless. They brought guns and weapons  galore through the little crack in the barrier. And didn't give no grace.

Not even to the children that cowered in fear, screaming to be spared.

Screaming for their mothers who were dead beside them..

Oh what a cruel twist of irony that the ones said to be monsters had less blood on their hands than the so called saints.

Good thing Leo never claimed to be a saint.

Leo was a storm of blades, doing everything he could to try and stop the hunters from spilling in like acid and destroying every part of where life once flourished.

His screams were feral and unwild, tearing into the hunter’s flesh with his claws and coughing their eyes out as if they were grapes, he was relentless with his attacks, but it didn't seem to slow down the opposing sides.

But since when did that ever stop the turtle?

Since when did Leo care for his own safety?

.

Leo should have seen it coming. 

They were never going to make it out alive were they?

It was a game to those who smiled while crushing the heads of infants. Even as their mothers cried for them to stop, just to be taken next.

It was all a game to them.

What a horribly sick game

The infected yokai screamed for him to save them. Screamed for help.

Leo felt sick.

He can't save them

He wasn't meant to fight alone.

He failed.

He failed again. 

They're all going to die because of him aren't they?

A scream tore him out of where he was currently bashing in two of the hunters heads, he could hear the cracks of their skulls, no one would survive that.

He didn't care. Those children didn't deserve that.

His eyes scoured the sea of bodies to the source of the sound.

Alopex.

The ciguapa held a crying Zachary to her chest while fighting with only one hand. Her ear was nicked, her white fur was stained red with either hers or her opponents blood. Leo didn't know. There was too much. 

they won't all make it.

Alopex must have had the same thought as Leo because she screamed before throwing the child towards him

“AOI GET ZACHARY OUT OF HERE”

In the moment, all Leo felt was pain in his chest as he watched the child falling in the air before he propelled himself off a hunter and landing with a tuck and roll, holding the child tight against his plastron,

His clothes were soaked with blood,

Several wounds littered the turtle's body.

But that wasn't his priority.

His priority was to save the kid.

He didn't know at that moment that as he ran  that when he turned back his head to take another glimpse at the dying village that it would be another one of those sights that haunted him at night.

The walls and ground were practically painted red.

There was so much gore.

So so much gore.

Alopex met his eyes for a second as she continued to fight off the horde,

She won't survive.

A spear ran clean through her abdomen. 

He stopped running, turning around fully before screaming her name.

He wanted to run back, to fight, to save her.

The only thing he got in response was a guttural shout, “GET OUT OF HERE”

What was he supposed to do?

He had an order.

He was made to be a soldier right? That's why draxum made him right?

So why dosnt he just fucking litsen to what he was told for once.

So he ran.

He ran like a coward.

He felt the cold as he passed the border.

He headed for those cursed woods, The snow sticking onto his blood soaked clothes.

He held the child to his plastron closer as the wind began to bite him,

He failed all of them. They died because of him.

.

The wind howled and threatened to take the turtle down but Leo was stubborn.

That's all he's known to be.

Zachary was strangely quiet as Leo made his way through the woods.

He didn't know where he was going. He doesn't know if he’ll even survive.

~

His legs felt as if they would snap if twisted the wrong way,

The cold had seeped into his reptilian mind. Wanting to fall into brumation because of the sudden weather change.

The clothes were supposed to keep him warm. But it didn't stop his exposed scales from the relentless wind.

He didn't know how long he was out there, he didn't know how far he was. His footsteps seemed to be almost immediately covered, leaving him with no sense of direction.

But the bundle in his arms stayed shielded from the brunt of it.

He’ll be damned if they both die.

No.

He won't allow it.

He wont let this kid die.

(-he wouldn't be able to handle it if he did-)

~

His mind was disoriented, his body fighting to keep him upright.

‘Why am I out here?’

He was tired. He could have passed out right then and there.

The storm must have given rest a while ago, his night vision saving him from running into a tree in the pitch black cover of night.

Well it must be morning now, his legs should have fallen off a while ago.

‘How am I still alive?’

The little bundle in his arms began to move, dragging him out of his fuzzy mind,

Then the smell of a bakery caught his nose..

‘Food..village nearby.. Normal yokai’

With the little energy he had left he pushed on forward.

Not for himself.

For the kid in his arms.

Zachary was counting on him.

He may not be able to save himself but he would rather be thrown back into the prison dimension before he gave up on the child who depended on him.

So he pushed on.

Eventually he put foot onto the dirt road, he was in so much pain.

He was so tired.

So hungry.

Shaking his head and taking a dizzying step forward, Leo managed to back it to the first house. He could already feel the warmth of the morning fire the people inside must have lit, it followed with laughter..

Hungry. So hungry..

Leo knew Zachary wasn't safe with him. 

He's known it this entire time.

The village isn't safe from Leo either.

But maybe the village will be safe for Zach..

In a barely conscious mind he took the bundled sleeping four year old onto the doorstep, the child whined with being put down, making signs for Leo to pick him up again, but Leo couldn't afford to.

Zachary was safe here.

.

When the yokai couple opened the door after hearing someone knock a couple seconds before they were met with a crying child that was bundled in a tattered old cloak.

Gently the woman had picked up the kid soothing his cries with assurances of safety and warmth as she and her husband walked back in,

Leo watched from the treeline for a moment more after Zachary was brought in, before starting his trek again along the river. 

With nobody with him, his thoughts began to plague his mind,

Screams of the fallen calling out for his help rustled in the wind.

He wanted to sleep.

But he couldn't afford being so close to the yokai village.

He walked into the woods again, the sun was peaking out from its slumber, unrecognizable creatures began to chatter. Leo could feel himself being watched.

It only worsened his thoughts as he walked, not knowing where he was going or where he was, his only clue of direction was the rising sun.

But eventually his adrenaline wore off. His body was giving up on him.

And he didn't mind the thought of that.

There was a hut a couple feet in front of him. Why is there a hut out here?? It felt like a trap.. But he could care less as he walked up the wooden stairs and all but shoving the old creaky door open, getting dust and spiderwebs flying around him as he stepped in, promptly slamming the door shut and sliding to the floor in one fluid motion.

It was then when he finally let himself succumb to his injuries. Succumb to the blackness that was steadily creeping into his vision.

It was quiet.

Leo hated the quiet.

But if this was how he died.. He wouldn't mind.

At least his brothers didn't have to see.

Chapter Text

Usagi has been worried about his new friend for a couple months now..

He hasnt seen Aoi since the incident with the rock trolls, and with winter coming up and harvest season closing, food is scarce. He knows that the kappa has a garden but the last time they met, Aoi basically traded his entire seasons worth of harvest for the rabbit’s life, which honestly seemed a bit much but the rock trolls seemed to be the stubborn type. 

Usagi had been grateful for the sacrifice, but with the disappearance of the turtle it made it even more worrisome.

‘Maybe he’ll just go to the farmers market next week’ he thought about a month into the no contact.

After two months, his usually dormant asian genes kicked in full strength and he was packing bags full of groceries and homemade ready meals.

He might be sick! What type of friend would usagi be if he didn't check on him? Besides, It's like a thank you gift for getting those angry rock people from pummeling him to death..

Auntie would be proud!

.

So there usagi was, bags filled with food in each hand walking out of the inn that he and his friends were staying at,

Of course his friends were confused, wanting to come with but usagi declined, saying that the kappa did not bode well with new people and it would be impolite for him to bring people that aoi didn't know into his home.

So reluctantly they agreed to stay behind, but not without kitsune snatching one of the homemade dumplings usagi had made as the clueless rabbit left, cheeks full and chizu snickering at her girlfriends antics.

“Bet that Usagi's new mysterious friend has some secret backstory we don't know about?” kitsune asked after the rabbit was out of earshot, turning her back to the door to face her friends

“Oh yeah definitely” chizu agreed as gen shrugged and smiled as the three friends headed to the arcade across the street.

~

As usagi made his way towards where Aoi’s home supposedly was from memory, he couldn't help but look around at the so called haunted woods,

The air was damp and cool with the smell of pine and leaves in the wind,

The towering trees above made filtering the sunlight into a greenish twilight. A part of his brain screamed danger with every step he took,

Each sound seemed to be amplified in the rabbits ears, a snapping twig, or the rustle of some unseen creatures had him on edge, ‘it wasn't this bad when i was with aoi..’

The soft crush of his shoes against the ground seemed to be the only thing grounding him as he carefully rested a hand onto of his sheathed katana in its holster,

Usagi lost the path a while ago, his only direction was his mind, it may have others turn back around but usagi was known for being stubborn..

So the stubborn rabbit continued his way into the monster infested woods,

Sounds of the infected yet docile creatures that made their home in the forest took hold of his senses, huma birds with their colorful feathers flew high above the canopy, their colors reflecting in the small amount of sunlight, making the ground shimmer with red and blue when it passed,

Even though the woods were something yokai feared, the animals that lived inside it seemed to not fear the other inhabitants. Usagi watched as a mama doe crossed his path with two fauns, both trusting their mother to lead the way. Unaware of the danger Usagi could bring.

Eventually, usagi hit the clearing his mind recognized as where Aoi’s home laid,

When the rabbit saw the hut in the distance, he couldn't help the small flutter of pride in his heart, ‘beat that chizu!’

Although his excitement seemed to be short lived as the atmosphere grew tense.

Suddenly, Usagi's ears were pinned back and the bags he carried seemed to grow heavier with each step.

Something was wrong.

Shadows seemed to stretch and shift just at the edge of the rabbit's peripheral vision, a shiver running down his spine as his ears began to try and listen for sounds of life within the home.

Nothing.

Usagi quickened his pace, heart in his throat,

‘Aoi you better be okay.’

.

The small steps to the door were old and creaky. Making the rabbit wince as he stepped foot onto the platform - raising a closed fist, he knocked on the worn down wooden door.

Silence.

Another knock that was met with Usagi's heart dropping with fear as he forcefully barged in, scared of what he may find he quickly looked around for signs of life in the dark ill lit home,

“AOI!?” he shouted in his deep voice, stepping in and gently setting the food down in one fluid motion before quickly looking around.

His voice echoed into the empty hut, fear shook his core.

The door was left open and abandoned as he continued to look around, more frantic than the last, he made the mistake of having all his senses all pinned for sound inside the home, that he was caught unaware of the hulking figure that stood in the doorframe.

.

.

.

Okay so maybe standing in the doorway of a very ill lit home was not the smartest move Leo could have made, but that again, this was HIS ILL LIT HOME!! And THERE WAS SOMEONE INSIDE IT!!

Leo had just got back from fishing up north of the river away from the colonies of trolls, it took him an entire five hours because SOMEONE- (the tokage somehow found him by the riverbank) kept setting off the damn trap!

And then on his way back, it seemed the little lizard stuck to Leo's side the entire way much to Leo's dismay and hopes that the little creature would eventually become tired and leave..

He was tired, wet, and irritated.

So when he saw his hut, the one that was SUPPOSEDLY hidden away from other yokai and humans with the door wide open and scuffling heard inside well..

He was not happy.

Somehow along the way, the tokage managed to hitch a ride on the turtle’s shell and curled himself nicely between the crook of Leo's shell and his neck.

Breathing heavily, one arm slung behind him where he carried the fish he hunted, the other covered by his cloak and wrapped tightly on the hilt of the katana, he probably made a pretty scary picture to an unsuspecting rabbit,

It didn't help that the little tokage, seemingly noticing how tense Leo became all the sudden, woke up from its nap and freaking jumped at the rabbit..

The startled scream of the rabbit would have honestly made 16 year old leo break out laughing as he watched the yokai jump a good two feet in the air,

But this severely scarred and traumatized 21 year old only winced at the sudden sound before sharply hissing out “What the fuck are you doing here!?”

The rabbit in question had one hand clutched to his chest as he breathed out the rest of his dignity.. Tokage seemingly sits innocently between the two adults.

“Oh great ancestors- its just you-” he heaved out before looking at the heavily covered yokai in front of him.

“You didn't answer my question” leo retorted, roughly shoving usagi by the shoulder as he walked past the rabbit and dropped his haul on the table with a loud thud,

“Okay rude much-” usagi snarked, turning to look at the yokai with offense.

“You're in my home without my awareness. I have every right to be rude, rabbit.”  

“Stop being so paranoid, nobody followed me.”

It was tense for a minute as the two stubborn people stared at each other in a heated contest before the little perpetrator let out a yip that effectively made them turn to look at the tokage between them,

Usagi was always a stickler for pets.

“Oh my goodness, who is this little guy!?” Miyamoto's tone immediately shifted into a gushing demeanor as he bent down to pet the little rascal that was more than content to be acknowledged.

“He followed me home. Pretty sure he saw the fish I was carrying and wanted some.” Leo scoffed, although internally saving the memory of the rabbit melting and holding the tokage lovingly in his arms.

“Oh he's hungry! You're hungry aren't you? Aw yes you are” said rabbit cooed,

Leo rolled his eyes, hiding the smirk behind his mask as he started taking the fish he caught to the sink,

“Hungry or not i dont have enough to feed either of you so if you would” the turtle stated, back towards them clearly wanting the two to leave.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the rabbit’s ear perk up and he stood and turned to the bags he left at the door,

“Oh yeah! That reminds me! I actually brought some food and i may have over did it..” he muttered, leo was shocked,

‘What? Why would he do that?'

“Why?”

“Well your my friend and I haven't seen you back at the village and harvest seasons over so i wanted to make sure you didn't go hungry and-” as usagi continued his rant that leo paused and zoned out,

‘He thinks we're friends?..’

The bump of the small lizard pulled him back into his body, 

“Hey you good?” 

The rabbit's voice was closer now, by his side, he looked over to see the rabbit midway putting the packed food in the cupboard looking over concerningly at his friend. (friend! He thinks we're friends!)

Leo shook his head, “uh..yeah!. yeah just tired.”

.

The two began to chill in comfort of each other, listening to the rabbit talk about his journeys and friends as the turtle busied himself with cleaning and gutting the fish, it was kind of nice.. Having someone around..

‘Stop it you know what happens when you get too close” Leo internally scolded himself between closed eyelids.

“You know, the little guy needs a name.”

“Wha?”

“The lizard thing” usagi pointed at the tokage that sat next to leo, patently waiting to feast on the scraps,

“The tokage?”

“Oh is that what they're called? Huh never knew that” 

Leo snickered, grateful for the distraction from his thoughts,

“You name him. I got nothing to do with him”

“Really!? Can I can name him??” usagi spoke animatedly before picking up the lizard and inspecting it as a child would with a new toy,

-it reminded leo of mikey-

“Hmmm… hey! It's got spots! We should name it spot!” he said energetically as the newly named tokage, spot, yipped at the name.

“Alright well spot isn't staying with me. I can't care for a pet right now.”

“Oh spot! Do you want to come with me? Yes, I'll care for you and feed you LOTS of fish!” the rabbit cooed as spot climbed onto his shoulders,

“Look! He likes me!”

“Yes I can see that.”

Chapter Text

He is running. Why was he running again? 

The air burns his lungs as if they were set on fire, each breath comes out as a shallow gasp that does nothing to satisfy him. The sound of his feet striking the pavement beneath him in a frantic uneven rhythm that seems to accelerate the already pounding drum in his chest, eyes blurring the passing streetlights as colors begin to fade into a sheer white panic.

The sound was closer now. A heavy thump that contrasted slider’'s scrambled steps, running on nothing but pure adrenaline he ran. But where? Where was he going? Surely he’ll run out of space, run out of time.

The creature following him gave a steady rhythm, dressed in a black cloak with piercing red eyes that gave no sign of hurry. Like a hunter patiently waiting for their prey.

He could hear screaming.

The screams of people he once cared for, the screams of the village that was torched to the ground, the screams of the fallen that didn't make it out of the invasion.

It's his fault.

It's all his fault.

Why was he running? There's no use running. But yet, his legs wouldn't stop. His mind is too stubborn to give up. To just lay to rest, to accept his fate.

On a nearby rooftop, a rabbit watched, stuck in place. Forced to just watch as the turtle ran helplessly through the maze, with every step the cloaked figure got closer. It was useless. His voice was drowned out in the blizzard of white that swarmed him. The turtle is going to die. He's going to die and usagi will be forced to watch.

-

The waking world was like a breath of fresh air after a sailor  was drowning at sea, gasping for air from where he laid on his futon in the room he shared with gen while they stayed at the village usagi frantically jolted awake, breathing heavily and his eyes erratic,

“Woah there samurai, you're good it was just a dream” his friend spoke, loud enough to break through the barrier of panic that his mind was in,

To others, Gennouskue is seen as a cynical gruff yokai, but if you took the time to know him he is a loyal and caring friend, sure sometimes crass and he holds his money close, but everyone has their problems.

Speaking of the rhino, he made his way over to his friend in a moment's haste, gently patting his back while the rabbit worked out how to breathe once more.

“You haven't had one of those in a while, want to talk about it?”

Weighing his options, usagi guessed it wasn't worth something to say, it would only worry them more, it was probably a alcohol induced dream from the sake he drank the night before,

“Thank you gen but im alright” he responded, a huff coming from the rhino as he got up and started making his way to the door, 

“Alright then miyamoto, it's bath day and kitsune wants us to meet up for lunch in two hours so lets get going” he said, tossing his towel onto his shoulder, usagi groaned at the mention of water.

It's not that he hated it, it was just.. Well he is a rabbit. His fur takes too long to dry in his opinion and makes everything feel heavy, and restricts his movements, especially with his winter coat coming in. not saying he doesn't like a good spa day, but in times like these where the only water source was the creek and it was currently 50 degrees out? Yeah no. if it was up to him, he’d wait till the next time they were in town with proper heated showers..

But auntie would sooner throw her geta straight at his face if he missed a bath..

So skinny dipping in a freezing cold river it is.

“Alright let me grab my stuff”

.

Water was probably not the worst thing, but after that is what is the problem.

See, his fur tangles like a stickerbush and its hell to brush out. Especially when his winter/summer coat comes in. but at least he's not alone in this fur madness, he knows for a fact chizu is also hating every second of this, kitsune, knowing her.. probably not..

But hey? Sitting on a hill surrounded by friends and having someone brush out your ears isn't so horrible.

So there usagi was, sat criss crossed, journal and a book in his lap as kitsune happily combed out his still damp coat while cheerfully interacting with the rest of the group,

The place kit chose for them to have lunch was not all that bad, a simple hill with a cherry tree near the village outskirts, but not too close to the woods to be a danger,

“Mmm chizu you really outdid yourself with these steamed buns” usagi praised his friend while relishing in the taste of the meal, chizu brightened up at those words while nodding her head in thanks,

Usagi, decidingly choosing to help himself with the rest of the steamed buns, stuffed them into a small pocket of his for later, Gen found himself snorting at the action.

“Rabbit you better not be keeping those till you see that mystery guy again” he said playfully, amused at how his friends ears immediately perked up out of where kitsune was delicately brushing them, the latter grumbling at his antics,

“Wha? So what if I am?!” he said in a higher than normal tone, leaving the others to click in the pieces,

“Youre not getting attached to him are you? Usagi he literally lives in the woods like a hermit” chizu stated as if it was a fact,

“Not to mention it's a forest full of infected. Seriously, how did he even survive there??” kitsune added in, chizu nodding in agreement.

“You are talking as if you weren't formally an assassin for a cult or a thief on the streets” usagi huffed, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow, gen chose to stay quiet, which was probably the good thing to do.

Usagi has been hanging out with aoi for a good month now, sure the kappa can be a little harsh and stand offish, but usagi could see the cracks in the facade, the prolong looks when the turtle thinks usagi isn't watching, the small snort that escapes him when he tries not to laugh, and the way the kappa started not keeping himself so heavily armed around usagi meant a lot to him.

He wasn't a fool, he could tell that aoi was carrying a heavy burden, he could see it in the way the turtle carried himself, the way he would stare off into the distance with a look in his eyes that held stories of hardships and travels.

The turtle had all but shut himself so tightly in his shell, buried under the weight of his mind. Usagi  found himself curious about the man he used to be, without the armor and without the heavy weight he seemed to carry.

He wanted to help the kappa from the sticky blackness of the mind that he knew so well, 

The farthest depths into your soul where you guard your most precious secrets, but can also become a prison for your heart.

“He’s got a point” the rhino muttered after a couple seconds, the two girls groaning in defeat while usagi grinned victoriously.

.

Later, usagi found himself sitting against the tree trunk by the kappas house, the turtle in question up in the tree harvesting some late blooming apple, usually usagi would talk about his day and catch the turtle up about the latest village drama while aoi gave him side eyes or recently, engage with questions or comments, although they were usually short one to two word remarks, it was still something usagi beamed about.

But today the rabbit was quiet, not in a bad way, just silently enjoying the other’s company, and honestly? Leo  didn't mind at all. Much to his demise, he was warming up to the yokai. Not that he would ever tell anyone. Hell no.

Occasionally, Leo would find himself glancing down to make sure the rabbit was still there, and every time he was greeted by the sight of a seemingly content bunny sketching the tokage- spot, that was currency playing in the field in front of them,

Leo didn't know what led him to climb down to the last branch, bag filled with the late blooming apples, and reach into his pocket to pull out something he kept on him since he met the guy,

“Hey bunny”

Usagi’s ears perked up as he looked up to the turtle seemingly shocked at the nickname, since well, first of all, Aoi rarely ever initiated the conversation, and second, (SINCE WHEN DID HE USE NICKNAMES??) 

“Yeah?”

“Here” 

The turtle seemed to chuck something at him, which he quickly caught, and during further inspection he realized it was a carrot. "Since when did he keep carrots in his pocket??”  “what- why?” usagi spoke clearly confused, as he looked back up, the kapa wasnt there, a mini heart attack thinking he was alone until a voice spooked him from the side, “Hey these are pretty good” aoi mumbled where he seemingly appeared sat neatly beside him, hodling the sketchbook that used to be in the rabbit’s lap,  usagi looked between the journal and his empty lap confused before blurting out, “how the fuck did you do that!?” to which the kappa just replied shortly, “ninja” brushing through the pages with gentle concentration as if he was holding something fragile, it made Usagi's heart warm. Until he clicked into pieces what the last words were,

“Wait. you're a ninja!?” he shouted, eyes wide and fixated on the other boy,

Aoi must have not realized what he said because he looked at usagi with shock and confusion before his face contorted into something that similarly meant oh shit.

Accepting his fate he exhaled, “uh yeah?” he spoke, voice unsurely and hand  moving slowly towards the hidden dagger just in case something went wrong..

“THATS SO COOL! IM A SAMURAI” the rabbit beamed,

Okay.. so NOT the reaction leo was expecting.

“Really?”

That question then prompted an ungodly word vomit to come out of the rabbit, Leo, seemingly relaxed his shoulders at the rabbits reaction, drawing his hands back to the journal as usagi pointed to a detailed drawing of his rabbit ancestor who he was named after, Leo, for once in a long time, just let himself be lulled into a sense of security while the rabbit continued on. Time seemed to slow down, creating some type of alluring presence around the rabbit as the orange sky tinted his fur with a pretty hue. For the first time, he actually looked at the rabbit. How his fur seemed extra fluffy in the sunset, the faint freckled cheeks, how animatedly his ears and hands moved with every word, the spark in his eyes as he continued on, it was like a lullaby to him.

It reminded him of the times he would sit in his twins lab late at night when he couldn't sleep, just to hear another voice, just so he didn't have to be alone in the quiet.

Leo hated the quiet.

But right now, life seemed to give him a break.

A break from his thoughts, a break from the pain.

And so, the turtle found his eyes drooping into a soundless sleep. Head nestled into the crook of the rabbit's shoulder. A gesture that was rare to be a witness of, and one that usagi will cherish till the day he dies.

Chapter Text

Leo doesn't know when it started.

Maybe it was when he saw that dumb rabbit take on that wendigo with the confidence that was surely gonna get him killed,

Or maybe it was when they met eyes and how everything seemed to stop for a second,

Or the times when the yokai would come unannounced, bringing stories of his travels and laughter.

Maybe it was all of those things slowly adding and seeping into the cracks of his walls each time the rabbit smiled.

Leo doesn't know.

But he found he didn't mind not knowing for once.

So there he sat in the shade by the river, it was peaceful. Leo just wishes he could have that peace for just a bit longer.

The rabbit at his side lulling him into a sense of security as he rambled on, the way the sun reflected the yokai’s red eyes made them look like rubies, precious gemstones that nobles and kings wore on their crowns gazed at the turtle as if he was worthy to witness their beauty. 

-

“I used to have a home”

His voice came out quietly, like a whisper only meant for the two to share,

For once, he found he had nothing to say, giving his friend his full attention as the masked turtle’s face contorted into something of numb nostalgia.

“Ive probably been here for three years now, but never once have i thought it to be one.” he continued on, and suddenly he seemed older than he was. 

It was quiet for a minute, the two sitting and listening to the wilderness that surrounded them, the crunchy leaves that ranged in autumn colors, the wind that blew up from the river giving them a freshwater scented breeze, the squirrels chattering away as they foraged for food during the winder, spot snoring from where he had curled up on Usagi's lap.

“How old are you?” usagi asked, the turtle didn't look too much older than him..

“Twenty” the turtle huffed as if it was the funniest thing. As if it didn't break Usagi's heart,

‘He's younger than me. He's been alone since he was seventeen? That's horrible..’

“How old are you?” Aoi repeated back the question

“Twenty one” usagi stated

“Damn your old” 

“Excuse you!? I'm only a year older!” usagi retorted back, playfully shoving the kappa in the shoulder, the latter only letting out a snort as usagi huffed, a smile creeping on his face as he turned to look out at the scenery again.

.

.

“What was your home like?” usagi spoke to the wind, not expecting a response to such a personal question.

“Warm” Aoi spoke with complete sincerity, usagi turned to face the cloaked turtle, watching as he pet the small tokage that had moved from usagi’s lap to his. 

He looked so tired.

Usagi wanted to know more about him. About why he had left, but he found himself unable to ask, not wanting to break this fragile thing between them.

“What was your favorite thing about your home?” he asked, wanting to lighten the mood,

“Definitly not the smell” the kappa replied , about scrunching up under the mask, usagi snickering at his response, faintly he could see the fabric on the turtles mouth move upwards in a soft simple before returning to his regular face, 

It was quiet again, the two content in the peaceful scene, before Aoi spoke again,

“My brothers”

“Hm?”

“My brothers were my favorite thing about home.”

‘Oh so he had brothers?’

“My eldest brother was so so strong. He could carry us all on his back but don't get me wrong, he was a huge softie. Ha, my twin had the brains that could outdo us all i swear, the stuff he builds is literally amazing, and my baby bro has the creativity and heart that could probably soften an evil stonehearted war monger, actually it did do that, and his cooking? AMAZING! Could never outmatch.” When the turtle spoke about his brothers, Usagi could see his golden brown eyes light up, even if it was ever so slightly. 

‘Wow he must really love them..’ Usagi's ears wilted a bit at the scene, aoi looked genuinely happy for once, and rambled on about how strong yet soft his older brother is, or how smart his twin could be, and how amazing his baby brother was.

The way he spoke about them, why would he ever leave them voluntarily?

..what had happened?

The more usagi listened, the more entranced he felt towards the slider, the way his hands moved around as he spoke, the way his smile, even covered, made usagi melt, he couldn't help but want to know more, to understand him, to know why he hid so far into his shell that he basically became a different person completely? 

It was hopeless.

That turtle was gonna be the death of him.

.

Chapter Text

In the heart of the sun-dappled woodland where the giant moss covered trees provided shelter for the innocent, the two twin fawns lay nestled in a bed of overgrown plants, the fawns were perfect mirror images with eyes a deep rich chocolate, their slender limbs tucked neatly beneath them as they slept, unaware of the danger that filled their once safe sanctuary.

Something slithered in the overgrowth, ready to latch onto its prey.

The impact didn't just injure the oldest fawn but it turned it into something of horror. It let out a frightened scream as it dug into the heart of the innocent creature.

It was a horrifying sight.

The wounded faw’s pain was instantly amplified as its legs began to twist in unnatural ways, transforming its innocent form into a vessel of pure bloodlust. It thrashed violently, its delicate hooves no longer treading softly but a weapon. In a final desperate spasm of corrupted life it screamed. 

The uninjured twin frighteningly tried to escape but was hit with devastating force by the other. Startled and defenseless, it offered no resistance as it hung from the jaws of its sibling.

Silence once more took over the woods, but the forest was no longer something of peace. Somehow in its corrupted mind, the fawn shed a tear. Its jaw not detaching from where its sibling’s neck laid between the fangs that crowned its teeth.

Perhaps it was always meant to be this way.

Perhaps that fawn’s fate was already written in stone.

But the pain didn't stop.

The grief was still there.

.

“And that's how you skin a fish” Leo prompted, holding his prize for usagi to see

“Gross..” usagi responded, moving the skinned fish away from his face, Leo shrugged before placing the fish down on the cutting board, he has been more talkative since that day by the river, not that usagi is complaining, it was nice to hear a voice that wasn't his own at times. Plus, Aoi had a nice voice.. 

“Maybe, but it is beneficial. What? Are you telling me that the big bad fish is too much for you honorable samurai?” Leo teased, the folds of his heavily cloaked figure was the only hint that the turtle beneath it was smiling. God, usagi wished he'd take that silly mask off..

“No but the mean kappa that comes with it might be” usagi bantered back, while leaning on the counter with his arms folded across his chest, Aoi huffed in amusement as he placed the fish in the pot before setting it on the mantle over the roaring fire, the orange hue looked nice in contrast of the turtles regular green shade, usagi wishes he could just watch him all day. Unfortunately, that would be very creepy and the last thing he wants to do is creep his new friend out.

There was a domestic peace that filled the air, the fire crackling and popping as Aoi moved the wood around with a stick, the fire illuminating the small space in a warm glow as the fish sizzled in the pan above, times like these there were no words that needed to be said, they just sat in basking in each other's presence, it was nice. 

But then a raw, primal scream filled their ears, ripping the delicate shroud that encapsulated the cabin, Leo sat straight up. He knew this sound.

Usagi reached for where his katana laid sheathed as he followed the turtle that was all but rushing out the door, usagi knew this scream. A monster was born.

“Aoi wait! We shouldn't go towards this- it's not good trust me" Usagi tried, standing in front of the turtle, who in turn, stopped and stared at the rabbit, like really staring.

Usagi’s ears laid flat against his head, “aoi we need to get out of here” he tried again, grabbing the turtle’s wrist, they were in the middle of the woods now, the only light being the sun that barely made its way through the thick leaves, Leo pulled himself out of Usagi's grip and continued on. “Usagi go back to the village.” he spoke, the rabbit dismissing his order, “what?? No! This thing is dangerous if anything you should be-” leo cut him off, “dangerous?” he asked, trying to search the rabbits eyes, leo’s own looked hurt by the statement. Usagi didn't know why, he was trying to help! “Look Aoi my friends and I are monster hunters believe me this is not something you want to mess with” usagi spoke firmly, leo didn't waver, “you monster hunters don't know shit” he spat, which okay ouch, not called for. “Hey what’s your problem!?” usagi retorted, pushing the kappa back by the shoulder, “not everything that is different needs to be hunted down. Not that you’d care. You just do it for the money." Leo hissed as he pushed through the bushes, and there, in full view was truly a sight from your nightmares. It was the two fawns usagi had seen the other day, bile rising up in his throat as he saw the warped animal locked down onto its own sibling. He unsheathed his katana, to which Leo didn't take kindly to. “What are you doing!?” he hissed partially blocking usagi from going forward and taking this monster’s life, “look! That thing is evil! We need to kill it before it kills us or worse the village!” he snapped back, he was beginning to not like the snapper’s attitude, but instead of moving leo stood directly in front of usagi’s line of view. “No” 

“What?”

“Im not gonna let you kill her.”

“Aoi, are you insane!? It's a monster!”

“Does it look like a monster to you?”

..

With that, aoi had moved out of the way, the corrupted fawn was back in view, but this time Usagi's stance wavered as he watched.

The fawn was crying and licking the wounds it had caused onto its sibling, pitifully bleating at the corpse.

No. This isn't something a heartless monster would do.

“Its dying”

“What?”

“The transformation wasn't complete. The fawn is going to pass soon.its Poor body couldnt handle it.” aoi spoke softly, walking up to the infected fawn which in turn 

Looked at the masked turtle with weary eyes.

“Kappa?” usagi asked timidly

“Its okay samurai come here” aoi spoke, holding a hand out to the rabbit who cautiously held on to, the two crouched to show the baby it was no threat, and in response it walked painfully closer until its body then was curled up in the turtles lap, the tears didn't stop. Its breathing was erratic, it was evident that the creature was in pain. Usagi looked onto the scene with guilt. How could he be so blinded?

“Not everything in these woods is a monster ‘sagi.” leos spoke as he ran a hand through the fawn’s fur gently,

“Im sorry.” usagi replied as he held a hand out in front of the dying corrupted fawn, which in turn had sniffed before licking at him,

“It's fine.. Most people are quick to judge something based on its appearance.” Leo continued on softly, the creature in his lap grew still and cold, its last exhale before finally closing its eyes.

“I'm sorry i said those things i just-” “its okay” usagi cut him off, "I know not everyone has the best intentions. But Aoi, you can trust me okay?” 

“..yeah”

.

If Usag was honest this wasn't how he expected the night to go, but here he was laying on his futon staring up at the wooden ceiling of the inn, gen snoring beside him, he should really get some sleep. But who could after something like that?..

He didn't know what to think. Was it true what Aoi had said?

Were these creatures not all that bad?

Was.. were they wrong about them?

He couldn't get those fawn’s eyes out of his mind. It held so much pain. So much grief.

And in some twisted way..

It reminded him of Aoi’s.

Chapter Text

The carcass of the fallen slither and move as if it had been revived as the hellhound itself trudged through the decaying overgrowth, bodies littered its path and its muzzle turning up into a sadistic grin as it breathed in, “we are close. Can you smell it innocent one?” he asks the child in his arms, the girl in response turned her head towards the aroma, it was stronger. Desperate. weak.

The child licked her lips as she closed her eyes

“Uncle i am tired”

“Rest then innocent one. We will arrive soon.”

Soon.

-

“..are you serious?” Aoi spoke increasingly concerned at the samurai beside him that brightened up at the comment. “Yup! It was an entire year before auntie got the grape out, "Usagi boasted as if getting a grape stuck in your nose was considered normal for him.

The internal doctor in Leo didn't know how to respond to that. Being both bewildered and concerned at the mental image of a younger rabbit with a grape stuck in his nose.. Surely that must have hurt right? Leo winced regretfully, “sounds horrible” he responded truthfully, the rabbit’s face turned into something wicked as a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes, he leaned a bit closer towards the turtle before dropping his voice into a whisper, “you wanna know something?” he asked, his deep baritone ringing in the slider’s head as he tried to maintain his composure, “what?..” he asked once he felt like his voice wouldn't betray him from the sudden tone shift, usagi only smirked, “auntie only got one of the grapes” he spoke, the turtle in front of him was mentally rebooting before his eyes went wide, “WHAT!?” aoi all but yelled, the rabbit snickered at his friends antics, “Yeah there was two” he replied swinging his legs from where they dangled off the branch he and aoi were currently sitting on. It was one of those giant trees that grew in the forest, the reason why they were up there about 50 feet off the ground? No idea. Not that usagi was complaining, at this point he’d probably follow this turtle off a cliff and not notice..

There was just something in Aoi’s eyes that entranced him ever since that incident with the fawn, the more he looked the more he felt like something was missing in those pools of brown, like it was hollowed out and gutted from any form of life.

It both spooked and drew usagi in.

What was that saying? Curiosity killed the cat? Yeah.. usagi thinks that would be the best way to describe their dynamic right now.

Something deep in his rabbit bones were screaming at him for danger, and for some reason, that only enticed the samurai to learn more about this guy.

That feeling of adrenaline rushed through his body every time the turtle’s gaze lingered for a second too long, every time the slider in front of him looked as if he was trying to dissect the rabbit’s thoughts and actions just to figure out why.

And honestly? Usagi might just let him.

A careless snap had broken the two out of the spell as the both swiveled their heads towards the sound. Aoi’s hands already reaching for the dagger and Usagi's own reaching for his sheathed sword, he doesn't know why he was so reactive, maybe it was because aoi was. But when the figure broke through the bushes usagi noticeably relaxed at the sight of his rhinoceros friend while Aoi didn't. Instead tensing up further before disappearing in a blink of an eye. Usagi had to get a double take to notice the spot where his friend used to be was barren. 

(he didn't even hear him leave!?)

“Uh aoi?” usagi called out, head turning every which way to scan nearby trees for anywhere a turtle could be hiding, eventually his ears picked up a slight movement from his left, he was about to call out when his friend's voice butted in “usagi? What are you doing up in that tree?” Genosuke called out, usagi looked back down at his friend on the ground before responding “well i WAS with Aoi but he disappeared!” usagi shouted back down, the rhino’s ears flicked before looking around at nearby trees and going back to the rabbit, “uh are you sure you're feeling okay?” gen asked seriously, usagi only rolled his eyes before making his way down the tree, “yes gen i am doing just fine now why are you out here? Weren't you supposed to be helping Chizu with the cart today?” usagi replied, arms crossed as he stood in front of his friend, the rhino shot him a guilty look “yeahhh about that. So kitsune had this great idea to make the stand into a puppet show and it WAS going great until the kids had a sugar rush from the sweets me and chizu had been feeding them and started to chase us around and destroy the cart claiming to be ‘monster hunters’ so we don't have a cart anymore.” gen spoke tiredly, usagi groaned “again?? I swear those kids are not normal” he said exasperated

That seemingly exposed the turtle of its hiding spot as aoi let out a humorous snort, usagi’s rabbit ears swiveled to the source as gen followed his gaze, and low and behold, it seems that the turtle didn't just go home as usagi though, instead was above their heads seemingly blended in with the trees, ‘huh hiding in plain sight’

Aoi’s eyes widened as he slapped a hand over his mouth in realization,

“Oh hello uh? Your aoi correct?? Usagi’s new friend?” gen asked the new comer,

Usagi could tell aoi was highly debating his options before he seemingly chose the least violent one, “uh yeah” the turtle coughed before dropping down between them and slipping beside usagi, the latter only smiled and swung an arm around the masked turtle, “see? I told you he wasn't imaginary” he boasted, gen flicked an ear in response,

The silence was so profound you could have sworn you heard crickets before gen spoke, “so you are the one who saved this stupid rabbit from being pummeled to death?” gen asked amused as usagi gave his most offended face while aoi looked up at the rhino and replied “yeah i couldnt let this samurai go out in the most dishonorable way possible” he joked, the rhino laughed before placing a hand on usagi’s free shoulder, “i like this one miyamoto” he patted his friend's back as usagi groaned, “oh great heavens..”

.

“Hey gen?” usagi asked as the two made their way back to the village,

“yeah ?”

“Can you keep Aoi’s home between us? I dont wanna freak him out, he already didnt like that i knew about his hut” the rabbit asked, gen was silent for a bit, now that he got to meet this mystery guy usagi had been talking about he honestly didn't mind, he seemed nice. There was just something.. Off about Aoi that he couldn't quite place, not that he would voice his opinions to usagi, they had bigger problems to worry about. Like the monster they were sent here to find..

“Yeah okay” he replied finally, usagi noticeably eased up. “Oh great thank you i just dont want to put any unnecessary stress on aoi” he replied, grateful that his friend was understanding, Usagi really did have some good friends.

-

The footprints left behind soon vanished as the hellhound continued on, breathing heavily as it snarled at the blinding green light,

soon