{ "submission_id": "2675455", "keywords": [ { "keyword_id": "70671", "keyword_name": "action/adventure", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "101" }, { "keyword_id": "13519", "keyword_name": "alternate universe", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2332" }, { "keyword_id": "46238", "keyword_name": "april o'neil", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "228" }, { "keyword_id": "34632", "keyword_name": "au", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2612" }, { "keyword_id": "4541", "keyword_name": "donatello", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "3565" }, { "keyword_id": "238543", "keyword_name": "elemental magic", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "26" }, { "keyword_id": "18464", "keyword_name": "falling in love", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "91" }, { "keyword_id": "208823", "keyword_name": "leo/don", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "67" }, { "keyword_id": "76900", "keyword_name": "leo/mikey", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "151" }, { "keyword_id": "26978", "keyword_name": "leonardo", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "4188" }, { "keyword_id": "194404", "keyword_name": "leonardo/donatello", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "83" }, { "keyword_id": "179672", "keyword_name": "leonardo/michelangelo", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "116" }, { "keyword_id": "562541", "keyword_name": "magical creatures", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "28" }, { "keyword_id": "105456", "keyword_name": "magical powers", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "36" }, { "keyword_id": "165", "keyword_name": "male", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1215201" }, { "keyword_id": "10308", "keyword_name": "male/male", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "128112" }, { "keyword_id": "3607", "keyword_name": "michelangelo", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2946" }, { "keyword_id": "442650", "keyword_name": "michelangelo/donatello", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "35" }, { "keyword_id": "142478", "keyword_name": "mikey/don", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "43" }, { "keyword_id": "75542", "keyword_name": "ninja turtles", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1481" }, { "keyword_id": "16233", "keyword_name": "raphael", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "4635" }, { "keyword_id": "194395", "keyword_name": "raphael/donatello", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "113" }, { "keyword_id": "161448", "keyword_name": "raphael/michelangelo", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "83" }, { "keyword_id": "148560", "keyword_name": "raph/don", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "228" }, { "keyword_id": "128344", "keyword_name": "raph/mikey", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "152" }, { "keyword_id": "909", "keyword_name": "romance", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "9229" }, { "keyword_id": "3000", "keyword_name": "romantic", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "5470" }, { "keyword_id": "3894", "keyword_name": "royalty", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2038" }, { "keyword_id": "23646", "keyword_name": "splinter", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "1007" }, { "keyword_id": "81015", "keyword_name": "tcest", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2330" }, { "keyword_id": "18653", "keyword_name": "teenage mutant ninja turtles", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "5837" }, { "keyword_id": "3606", "keyword_name": "tmnt", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "9293" }, { "keyword_id": "351467", "keyword_name": "tmntfandom", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "559" }, { "keyword_id": "345177", "keyword_name": "tmntfanfiction", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "468" }, { "keyword_id": "3618", "keyword_name": "turtlecest", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "2558" }, { "keyword_id": "14477", "keyword_name": "turtles", "contributed": "f", "submissions_count": "4246" } ], "hidden": "f", "scraps": "f", "favorite": "f", "favorites_count": "2", "create_datetime": "2022-03-21 18:37:26.073144+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "21 Mar 2022 19:37 CET", "last_file_update_datetime": "2022-03-21 18:30:16.520072+00", "last_file_update_datetime_usertime": "21 Mar 2022 19:30 CET", "username": "Sundayeyes", "user_id": "735374", "user_icon_file_name": "191699_Sundayeyes_randd_avatar_1.png", "user_icon_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/large/191/191699_Sundayeyes_randd_avatar_1.png", "user_icon_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/medium/191/191699_Sundayeyes_randd_avatar_1.png", "user_icon_url_small": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/usericons/small/191/191699_Sundayeyes_randd_avatar_1.png", "file_name": "3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/3957/3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/3957/3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3957/3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "files": [ { "file_id": "3957981", "file_name": "3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "file_url_full": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/full/3957/3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "file_url_screen": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/screen/3957/3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "file_url_preview": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/files/preview/3957/3957981_Sundayeyes_eotw_13.doc", "mimetype": "application/msword", "submission_id": "2675455", "user_id": "735374", "submission_file_order": "0", "full_size_x": null, "full_size_y": null, "screen_size_x": null, "screen_size_y": null, "preview_size_x": null, "preview_size_y": null, "initial_file_md5": "1413abd2432ccf4ac614da48dda8f357", "full_file_md5": "1413abd2432ccf4ac614da48dda8f357", "large_file_md5": "", "small_file_md5": "", "thumbnail_md5": "", "deleted": "f", "create_datetime": "2022-03-21 18:30:16.520072+00", "create_datetime_usertime": "21 Mar 2022 19:30 CET" } ], "pools": [ { "pool_id": "68461", "name": "Echoes on the Water", "description": "This is the story of four princes, three raised together, one kept apart. Connected to each other by an ancient elemental magic that runs as deep as the blood in their veins.", "count": "19", "submission_left_submission_id": "2621194", "submission_left_file_name": "3871974_Sundayeyes_eotw_12.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "2745870", "submission_right_file_name": "4070735_Sundayeyes_eotw_14.doc" } ], "description": "This is the story of four princes, three raised together, one kept apart. Connected to each other by an ancient elemental magic that runs as deep as the blood in their veins.\n\nSoon they will come together for the first time in their lives, but can the three learn to trust someone they have never met? Can they all overcome the lies they have been told to find the truth they so desperately seek?\n\nThe Trials of Succession are upon them, and only together will they be able to survive.\n\n~*~\nAlternate Universe, AU\nPairings: Raphael/Donatello, Leonardo/Michelangelo, Raphael/Michelangelo, Michelangelo/Donatello, Leonardo/Donatello, OT4\n\n~*~*~*~\n[url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2621194]<--- Chapter Twelve[/url] __//__ [url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2745870]Chapter Fourteen --->[/url]\n~*~*~*~", "description_bbcode_parsed": "This is the story of four princes, three raised together, one kept apart. Connected to each other by an ancient elemental magic that runs as deep as the blood in their veins.

Soon they will come together for the first time in their lives, but can the three learn to trust someone they have never met? Can they all overcome the lies they have been told to find the truth they so desperately seek?

The Trials of Succession are upon them, and only together will they be able to survive.

~*~
Alternate Universe, AU
Pairings: Raphael/Donatello, Leonardo/Michelangelo, Raphael/Michelangelo, Michelangelo/Donatello, Leonardo/Donatello, OT4

~*~*~*~
<--- Chapter Twelve __//__ Chapter Fourteen --->
~*~*~*~", "writing": "[center]~*~*~*~\n\nChapter Thirteen: Pale New Dawn\n\n~*~*~*~[/center]\n\nIt wasn't the light that woke Leonardo the next morning; though the dawn was slowly pushing back the dark, turning the blackness of night to a soft, muted gray as it advanced. No, what slowly brought him up out of the depths of unconsciousness was the sudden, but not unwelcome, scent of damp earth and crisp citrus that hung in the air.\n\nLeo breathed in deeply, allowing the familiar aroma to fill his senses as he came awake. Shifting, he turned his face toward the shadows still pooling in the back corners of the tent. A cool breeze drifted across his hips, the soft tickling sensation pulling him from his dreams as he cracked his eyes open just a sliver.\n\nHe was surprised by the amount of light that was only just illuminating the inside of the tent, usually he was up and meditating long before the sun made its appearance. But he supposed he must have really needed the rest, given the events of the previous day. A heaviness settled in his chest as the memories of what they had seen the night before came back to him.\n\nSleep had come quickly after Michelangelo guided him away from the fire and Leo was grateful, not only for that escape but also for Mikey's forethought. The earth prince knew, even before Leonardo had realized it himself, that he needed to be away from the others, needed solitude to process the moment before he could be expected to acknowledge it.\n\nIt was absurd to think that the vulnerable young man he had seen in the echo could possibly be the same man that would one day become his father. Seeing Apelles in that way, witnessing that outburst of emotion from him, was beyond Leo's ability to comprehend right away. He needed time to let the truth sink in, time to gain a better understanding of Donatello's echoes and what they might mean for the four of them and their futures going forward.\n\nAnother breeze caressed his skin, warmer this time as it dipped down, making his tail twitch with a sudden tingle. Leo frowned and opened his eyes fully, tensing as unexpected fingers wrapped around his fists, finally pulling him out of his thoughts enough to feel how tightly his hands were clenched at his sides.\n\nLifting his head, he looked down to find orbs of crystalline blue hovering between his thighs.\n\n``Stop thinking so hard.'' Mikey teased. ``You're gonna draw blood.''\n\n``I'm not thinking, I'm sleeping.'' Leo mumbled, repeating almost the same phrase he had used the previous night, only this time with an equally teasing tone.\n\nThe prince of earth nuzzled his cheek against Leo's thigh, smiling devilishly. ``Didn't know you could sleep with your eyes open. Not sure sleep is what you need right now though...''\n\nA short, breathy laugh was all the prince of air could manage before Mikey pressed forward, his fingers flitting over sensitive leaf green skin as his tongue snaked out to lick the line of Leo's slit.\n\nLetting his head fall back Leo closed his eyes, barely even trying to swallow down the churr that rumbled in his chest. Readjusting his position, he gave a shallow thrust of his hips, encouraging the prince of earth to continue.\n\nThere was no hesitation or fear of being overheard this time. Still rising from the hazy place between asleep and awake, Leo welcomed the intensity of Mikey's need and let it bolster his own. The air around them electrified, sharp with the scent of ozone as it began to build. Maybe this was what he needed, a gale to blow away the stress and conflict and doubts of the previous day so they could start over with refreshed hearts and minds.\n\n``Heh, sleepy Leo morning sex has always been my favorite...'' Michelangelo chuckled, coaxing the air prince's half-filled erection out into the open. He kept his rapt attention on the shaft as he stroked it to fullness, trailing his fingers over the head as he went to spread the slickness beginning to collect there.\n\nLeo's eyes rolled back into his head from the touch, his breath catching when a warm, wet tongue slid up the full length of his cock, drawing a deep moan from his throat along with it. He could feel Mikey's grin against his flesh and pushed his hips up to meet him.\n\nNot one to waste an invitation, the earth prince pulled the head into his mouth and sucked, churring lightly, pressing Leo's hips down as the prince of air arched his back and gripped the mat beneath them. The gentle vibrations from the sound traveled down his cock and pulled an answering churr from deep within his chest.\n\nMikey dipped his head further, pressing all the way down and swallowing before lifting back up, slowly, swirling his tongue as he went. Reaching the tip of Leo's length, he sucked hard then suddenly released it, the popping sound bouncing off the fabric surrounding them, but instead of going back for more, Mikey sat up, dragging his fingernails down Leo's thighs as he went.\n\n``Mikey...'' Leo groaned as his wet shaft was left out in the chill morning air. The desperation in the sound of his voice pulled a matching whimper from the earth prince.\n\n``Oh, don't you worry... you know I never have any patience when it comes to you...'' Mikey licked his lips with a wild gleam in his eye and crawled forward, straddling Leo's hips and diving down to claim a passionate kiss.\n\nIn unison they moaned deeply, chasing each other's tongues back and forth, their panting breaths drowned out by the smacking sounds of their lips. Mikey began to grind his hips down, pressing their leaking lengths together, the wetness from each tip spreading with just the right amount of friction. Leo pushed upward, his fingers gripping Mikey's thighs so tightly he knew he would leave marks and a satisfying thrill shot down his spine at the thought.\n\nBreaking their kiss with a growl of impatience, his eyes found the crates stacked next to the mat they lay upon. ``We... we need...''\n\n``Way ahead of you... just relax...'' Mikey husked, reaching back and lifting up to position the head of Leo's pulsing cock against his entrance. Having already slicked himself before Leo woke, there was no need to wait. The earth prince held his breath, a look of pure bliss sliding over his features as he slowly lowered himself onto the thick shaft, savoring the string of steady churrs he pulled from the hard body beneath him.\n\nHe stopped once he was fully seated, and the prince of air opened his eyes to find Mikey gazing down at him. Reaching up Leo wrapped his fingers around the back of his neck and pulled him down, pressing their foreheads together so he could savor the feel of his length buried deep within that molten heat.\n\n``You feel... [i]so[/i]... good...'' The words came in stuttered grunts as Leo bucked his hips.\n\n``I know.'' Mikey teased with a sly grin, grinding his hips just enough to drag a hissing gasp out through Leo's teeth.\n\n``I missed you...'' ``I love you...'' They whispered at the same time, pressing their bodies into each other so close, as if they hoped to meld into one single being.\n\nTrembling, Mikey began to move, lifting up and dropping back down, slowly at first, grinning as Leo writhed beneath him, but their need was too great to waste time and he quickly set a steady rhythm, swirling his hips in circles as he rode Leo, drawing wanton gasps and churrs from the prince of air.\n\nTheir panting breaths mixed in the sliver of space between them, Leo's fingers flexing against the thighs pressed around his sides. The feeling of Mikey's body sliding up and down his length was pushing him to the brink at breakneck speed and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold back for much longer.\n\nStaring up he watched Mikey roll his hips, his hooded eyes looking down at him as he shivered. It was a shameless look, full to bursting with love and desire focused solely on him that sent a bolt of primal pleasure racing down Leo's spine.\n\nIt wasn't enough. He needed to be closer. No matter how many times they did this he could never get close enough, felt like he could never claim Michelangelo fiercely enough to prove the depth of his desire for the earth prince. A tingling pressure was building at the base of his cock, and he chased it like he was possessed, his usual calm and careful demeanor tossed aside for this moment, this feeling.\n\nSurging upward he wrapped his arms around Mikey's shoulders, claiming his mouth, sucking on his tongue when the younger prince yelped with surprise. In an instant Leo flipped their positions, struggling to hold himself still as he waited to allow the earth prince to settle on his shell.\n\nNeeding a momentary distraction, Leo took hold of Mikey's straining length and stroked it reverently. Endlessly proud of how his touch turned the earth prince's soft moans into insistent grunts and gasps as he began to roll his hips again.\n\n``What do you want, Mike? Tell me what you need.'' The words were deep and husky as he forced them out around a rumbling churr, rocking forward torturously slow, timing the stroke of his hand to the pace of his thrusts.\n\nMichelangelo was splayed out beneath him, his head thrown back, teeth bared, his arms bent up over his head where he clutched the edge of the sleeping mat in a white knuckled grip. Leonardo's heart almost stopped at the sight of him. How was he lucky enough to be worthy of this gift? What had he done to make this beautiful creature love him so completely? The rhythm of his hips faltered and when he didn't resume the motion, Mikey shuddered.\n\n``Need you... Leo... [i]please[/i]...'' The earth prince whimpered around a churr that vibrated deep in Leo's bones, his cock spurting wetness onto his lower scutes. ``...please don't stop... [i]mooove[/i]...''\n\nMikey begged through slitted eyes glowing with lust. He was keening, bucking his hips, continuing to fuck himself on Leo's solid length as best he could from the position he was in, and that was the prince of air's undoing. He didn't need to be told twice.\n\nWith a hurried gasp he wrapped Mikey's legs around his waist, lifting him into a better position, and drove relentlessly forward, rutting into the pliant body beneath him. Almost immediately heat began to spiral in Leo's groin once more, his hand a blur on Mikey's cock, in sync with his thrusts and their heavy, panting breaths.\n\n``Yes... Leo!... [i]yesss[/i]...'' Mikey's cry was cut off as his skin flushed and he stiffened, a long deep churr mixed with a wail that was almost a sob pierced the quiet of the morning as he arched his back and planted his hands flat down on the ground just off the edge of the mat. The earth beneath his fingers began to rumble and shake as his climax finally took hold.\n\nThe pressure of Michelangelo's body squeezing like a vice around his pulsing shaft was the end of him. Leo fell forward, pushing [i]inside[/i] as deep as he could possibly go, his mouth open in a silent cry as he came.\n\nThe lashing of the wind whistling and shaking through the tree branches outside joined the rumble of the earth as their magic flared, riding the crest of their orgasms down and down, until all they could do was twitch through the shallow aftershocks.\n\nLeo's movements were sluggish when Mikey pulled him down to collapse at his side, both of them sighing sadly as Leo slid out of him.\n\n``Did that help? Do you feel better?'' Mikey mumbled against Leo's lips.\n\n``Being with you always makes me feel better.''\n\n``Mmmm, good...''\n\nThey spent long minutes drifting through the afterglow, touching each other softly with shaky hands, lazily kissing until Leo noticed Mikey's hands had stilled and his eyes were closed.\n\nCareful not to disturb him, Leonardo extricated himself from Mikey's arms. His usual morning energy was quickly replacing the rush of his orgasm and he thought he might get some training in before the sun was fully up.\n\nQuietly he began to dress, surprised when Mikey's sleepy whisper floated up from the mat.\n\n``You need to talk to Donnie.'' The earth prince sighed as he rolled over.\n\n``I know...''\n\n``He's waiting for you to show him who you really are...''\n\nLeonardo smiled. Michelangelo always did have the innate ability to see right to the heart of the matter.\n\n``Go back to sleep.'' The prince of air whispered in return, leaning down to press his lips against Mikey's temple one more time before sliding on his pants and silently slipping outside. He stretched his back as the morning air hit his face, enjoying the feel of his vertebrae popping.\n\nRaphael's disembodied head immediately caught his attention, his blazing amber eyes glaring from around the side of the red flap of his tent. Leo raised an eye ridge at him.\n\n``Could ya' have been any louder?'' Raph growled. ``Some of us are tryin' to sleep.''\n\n``Sorry?'' Leo replied unapologetically with an open-handed shrug.\n\nLeveling him with another glare Raph mumbled something unintelligible in response and Leo bristled. ``Why are you complaining? Shouldn't you be in there keeping Donnie company.''\n\n``He ain't in here.'' Raphael scowled, but Leo was quick to notice it was disappointment, not anger, that flashed in the fire prince's eyes as he disappeared back into the tent.\n\nLeo tried not to show his surprise, not only for Raphael's revelation, but at the spike of jealousy that had colored his own curt response thinking Raph had the water prince sequestered in his bed.\n\nMaybe Michelangelo was right. He really did need to speak to Donatello.\n\nLooking around the camp he spotted the remains of a small breakfast near the cold fire pit, but the prince of water was nowhere to be seen, so Leo closed his eyes, slowing his breathing as he felt the air.\n\nInstantly he picked up on the two he knew were nearby, their magic comforting and familiar, but there was a third presence, more distant and unknown somewhere close. He reached out further, trying to pinpoint it, but it was strangely muffled, like a limb that had gone numb.\n\nKnowing Donatello couldn't have gone far and that there was nothing for it but to wait, Leo went to the stream for a quick wash.\n\nHis scattered thoughts solidified as the cool water splashed his face. There were still so many questions that both he and Don had for each other. But the one thing Leo was most certain of, was that they couldn't go any further without hashing it out. They needed to find their connection, however small it may be to start, or they would never make it through the coming days.\n\nBeaming light flashed in the periphery of his vision, drawing his eye to the east. He followed it to the edge of the forest where the trees suddenly ended, and the desert began. The morning sun, having just crested the horizon, cast its shining light across the sand, so bright the rolling dunes sparkled like liquid gold.\n\nHe stopped to survey the distance, cognizant of the fact that there was a lot of vast, empty terrain they would need to cross before they reached their next destination. They would need sun protection, food and water for at least three days, maybe more if they could spare the weight. Their available supplies needed to be cataloged, and deep down he knew Raph and Mikey weren't likely to volunteer for that particular task.\n\nResigned to the fact that he would need to do it himself, Leo turned back toward the campsite, but before he could move a soft swishing, separate from the constant gurgling sounds of the water, reached his ears. Instantly alert, but careful not to show it, his eyes searched for the source of the sound.\n\nThe stream came to its end at the base of an ancient oak, its roots deep and massive enough that the water filled the root cavities, creating small pools and waterfalls before disappearing into the earth through a long, narrow crevice. Rising to his feet in one of those pools, Leo found the prince of water, the dawn light glittering on rivulets of clear liquid trickling down his arms and the grooves of his plastron.\n\nThe air prince was momentarily struck breathless by the entrancing sight, but Donatello made no movement, other than a small, knowing smile.\n\n``Good morning.'' Leonardo finally managed to say, only slightly put off that he hadn?t felt Don?s presence before the water prince thought to reveal himself. Perhaps the pool was responsible for the muffled feeling of his magic?\n\n``Does that happen often? You know... the... rattling and the rustling...'' Don made a few vague shaking gestures with his hands down at the ground and up at the leaves above them.\n\nLeo offered only a lopsided smile. ``It does when we're with each other.''\n\nA slow nod was Don's only response and Leo suspected he'd already known, or at least inferred, that fact. Their magic tended to manifest all on its own when it came to sex. Choosing the right time and place for intimacy had been one of the first and most important lessons they'd learned when they reached sexual maturity. Mikey could level a building if he didn't rein it in, and Leo himself had been burned by Raph ~literally~ more times than he cared to admit.\n\nHe suddenly had to tamp down on another softly simmering wave of jealousy as he wondered if Don had already experienced the searing heat of Raphael's touch. He wanted to know but didn't want to press Don for details he might not be ready to share yet and chided himself for the feeling. Thoughts like that weren't going to get them anywhere. He knew he should be grateful that at least one of them had been able to form such a quick connection with their missing prince.\n\n``You know,'' Leo gently pressed, ``I think Raphael might be disappointed you're out here and not in there... with him.''\n\nDon's gaze flicked toward the tents and back again, his expression giving nothing away. ``He was sleeping so peacefully; I didn't want to wake him.''\n\nLeonardo almost laughed but managed to swallow it back behind an incredulous smile. ``Raphael and peaceful are two words that don't usually go together.''\n\nTilting his head to the side, Don frowned. ``I don't think I believe that. Maybe it's not my place to say. It's clear to me that your relationship with him is... complicated. But, if you'll forgive me, I don't think you're giving him enough credit.''\n\nThere was a hint of irritation in Don's voice and Leo inwardly winced. He hadn't meant it like that, and he didn't want to appear as if he disapproved of the bond Don and Raph had already formed. Especially because this water born prince was right. Leonardo rarely ever gave Raphael enough credit. It was a known flaw that he was always working to improve upon.\n\n``Apologies, my... relationship with Raphael isn't relevant. The truth is the obvious change in him is a relief. You've only been with us for two days and he's already shown you a side of himself that Mikey and I rarely see. I mean that, sincerely.''\n\nDon looked surprised and then he looked away with a shy smile, a warm color spreading across his cheeks. It was a sight to behold, that blush, and the smile that went with it caused warmth to spread through Leo as well. The only problem was that smile was reserved for Raphael, and in that instant Leonardo resolved to do whatever it took to earn the honor of receiving one of those smiles for himself.\n\nMoving across the pool, Don hopped up to sit on one of the oak's roots, his feet still dangling in the water.\n\n``We should travel at night.''\n\nDistracted by his thoughts, Leo barely heard Don's softly murmured words. He raised a questioning eye ridge in response.\n\n``We'll drastically reduce our risk of heatstroke if we restrict our movement to after the sun goes down.'' Don explained. ``The desert can easily reach unbearable temperatures that will likely persist well past midday. Even if we're properly covered with lightweight layers, dehydration can and will sneak up on you faster than you'd expect.''\n\nHis eyes slid back to the expanse of sand stretching out before them, an apprehensive look taking over his face. Leo followed his gaze, cursing himself for the full minute it took before realization struck him. Crossing this desert would be a stretch of time, days, maybe even a week, that they would have little to no access to water, and he paled thinking of what that meant for Donatello.\n\nRaphael could make fire in his fist with just a snap of his fingers, Michelangelo always had the earth beneath his feet, and apart from the depths of the ocean there was nowhere in the world where Leonardo would ever be deprived of the air. But out there, surrounded by nothing but desolate sand, there was no water, and the fear shadowing Don's eyes because of it was suddenly all too obvious.\n\nMoving to the edge of Don's small pool, Leo crouched and leveled the water prince with a confident stare. ``I went through some of the supplies last night, there's a crate full of empty canteens. We'll all load up with as much as we can carry. You won't have to worry about there not being enough.''\n\nTearing his eyes from the swirling sand, Don blinked. ``Thank you, but I'm not worried. I can't imagine it will take us more than a few days to cross this. I can handle that.''\n\nMaybe it was a white lie designed to not appear weak, but Leo let him have it, if only for the strength he seemed to draw from it. Don may have felt like he needed to put on a brave face, but Leo knew that all three of them would gladly bear the additional weight of extra water without even needing to be asked. For Donatello, they would do anything.\n\nMoving slowly so Don could object if he wanted too, Leo lowered himself down onto the root near where the water prince was sitting. Leaning back against another large root, he crossed his arms over his plastron, and they sat in companionable silence, watching the dawn complete its rise, soaking in the warmth of the sun's rays as day fully broke over them.\n\nFrom the corner of his eye Leonardo observed the prince of water. Twenty-five years they had waited for him, and now he was close enough to touch and far more incredible than any of them had imagined. Leo felt sick to his stomach thinking about how he'd almost destroyed everything. If it hadn't been for Mikey and his acute powers of observation, Leo might have succeeded in driving Don away for good.\n\nHe knew he never would have forgiven himself for being the cause of that, but Don seemed to have taken it in stride. Suddenly Leo wanted to get on his knees to thank Don for being so willing to forget his words and move on. It was probably more than he deserved, and as he stared at Donatello's face, he vowed that he would never take the gift of his forgiveness for granted.\n\nDon looked well rested, like sleep had replenished most of his stamina after the ordeal of his trial. Of course, Leonardo wanted to know every detail of exactly what that ordeal had been, but they'd always been told that they weren't supposed to talk about it, not even with each other, so he didn't question why the water prince hadn't said anything to the rest of them about his experience ~~ still... curiosity [i]was[/i] starting to get the better of him.\n\nFeeling like he already knew what the answer was going to be, Leo decided to ask anyway. ``Would I be wasting my time if I asked you to tell me about your trial yesterday?''\n\nDonatello was quiet for a beat and when he finally spoke his tone was apologetic. ``I was... instructed not to say anything.''\n\nAccepting the statement at face value Leo nodded. ``I figured.''\n\n``The challenge comes from facing the unknown.'' Don replied with sympathy. ``However, I will say that, when your turn comes, you will know what to do. For me it was instinct, more than anything else.''\n\n``My father said something similar, once. He had a sour look on his face and said, [i]'They design it as if you're meant to understand what they want.'[/i] I always thought he was simply stating a fact, but after what we saw last night... now I'm wondering if I should have paid closer attention to the tone of his voice.''\n\n``I'm sorry about that. The echo.'' Don cut in quickly. ``I didn't mean to upset you.''\n\nLeo shook his head with a smile. ``I'll admit, seeing him like that was... strange. But you have nothing to apologize for. You had no way to know what the echo would show.''\n\n``Still... I want you to know that I understand. I'm seeing my father... the way that he was... for the first time too.''\n\nThe prince of air stared thoughtfully at the prince of water for a long moment, realizing suddenly that perhaps the two of them really weren't all that different. They both had absent fathers, they both bore the weight of responsibility heavily on their shoulders, they both spent much of their formative years alone; perhaps Don more so on that last point, but Leo could sense that he wasn't too far off the mark. There was a loneliness to being the emperor's son that he felt like Donatello would be able to understand. Maybe that was meant to be their connection...\n\n``Can I ask you something? About your father?'' Don asked.\n\n``Of course.''\n\n``In the echo, Apelles was obviously distraught, but... he seemed to resist when the others tried to comfort him.''\n\n``You're asking why he isolates himself?'' Leo guessed. When Don rewarded him with a nod, he continued. ``As far as I know, he's always been like that. I've spent most of my life trying to understand him, but there's a wall he's built around himself that none can penetrate. Outwardly he appears strong, but I know he hides a great deal of uncertainty behind power and control.''\n\n``Last night, Raph told me about Kaimon and Theonis and how they spent almost two years camped at Varuna's border trying to get to my father... I had no idea they had done that... but he made no mention of Apelles.''\n\nLeonardo sighed. This was a topic the three of them had stopped questioning their father's about almost as soon as they had learned about it. The emotions involved were too sharp, sharp enough to cut. The one time Leo had asked, Apelles had shouted at him for three days straight. So, he took the hint, backed off, and never broached the subject again.\n\n``I don't know all the details. My father keeps everyone at arm's length. He never speaks of the others. In fact, the only time he acknowledges they exist is when they're all standing in the same room together. I honestly can't say if I've ever even heard him say Archus's name.''\n\n``I see...''\n\nA puzzled frown creased Don's brow and Leo slid closer, daring to take Don's hand in his own. He simply couldn't stand to see the pain shadowing those warm, dark eyes. ``I promise you this, Donnie. Whatever the reason for that may be, we will find it. One way or another. Just like you said.''\n\nDon looked deeply into his eyes, soaking up his conviction like only a parched soul could. What he was searching for, Leo couldn't be sure, but whatever it was he must have found it, because a moment later the prince of water visibly relaxed, the tension in his body draining away, and he graced Leo with a smile that made his heart skip a beat.\n\nMaybe the glare from the bright morning sun was blinding him, in more ways than one, but the prince of air was almost sure that Donatello leaned closer to him as he smiled. Something undefinable shimmered in the air between them and Leo bit the inside of his cheek just to make sure he wasn't still dreaming.\n\nMichelangelo was right... Don did smell like the sea, briny but fresh, the rawness of it heightened by something spicy, something floral, like the forest after a heavy rain.\n\n``I suppose that opens up another mystery that I haven't really given much thought to before.'' Don said, the softness of his voice cutting through the haze of Leo's thoughts.\n\n``What's that?'' The prince of air asked, his gaze focused on Don's lips as he spoke.\n\n``Our grandfathers. They were separated too. Maybe we don't know Apelles's reasons for staying away, but what about your grandfather? I'm surprised he, at least, didn't join the others when they were trying to get through Varuna's border.''\n\nLeonardo blinked, Donatello's thumb was tracing a warm path across the back of his hand, and he needed to think for a moment. It was a struggle to force his attention back to their conversation. ``When I was young, my father and my grandfather would argue. I remember hearing their yells echoing in the halls. Master Splinter would always take me away from the palace when they fought like that, so I don't remember what was said, but some of it must have been about Archus and Torlan.''\n\n``And what about now?''\n\n``Now... I think [i]you[/i] have provided [i]us[/i] with an answer to a mystery of our own.''\n\n``Me?''\n\nLeonardo nodded with sad wonder as an understanding clicked into place. ``Fifteen years ago, my grandfather left Aeolus, one night he just disappeared. It wasn't until months later that we finally learned he was living on an island off the southern coast of Agni, with Mikey's grandfather, and Raph's.''\n\n``Wait... fifteen years...?''\n\n``I believe you said that was the year your grandfather died.''\n\nA slow realization dawned on the prince of water's face. ``They must have felt it... when he...''\n\n``It seems they went where they could be together in their grief.'' Leo agreed, suddenly wishing he could go to his grandfather and tell him just how much he now understood. ``As for my father, being apart from the others pains him, I can see it in his eyes, the same way it pained all of us to be apart from you. But still he refuses to go to them. I think that might be part of what drives his cruelty. The constant pain he must feel.''\n\n``Now three generations have been separated, and we still don't know why.'' Don added sadly.\n\n``Not yet, but we will soon.''\n\nWith each word their voices had grown quieter, until they were barely more than whispering, leaning in until their foreheads were almost touching, cocooned in a bubble of sunlight and warm breath as the rest of the world faded to nothing around them.\n\n``Do you think that will be us someday?'' Don whispered, wetting his lips as he smiled. ``The four of us retreating to some secluded homestead where no one will bother us. Where we can live out our days together with nothing to come between us.''\n\n``I sure hope so.''\n\nTiny beads of water glistened on olive skin finally within his reach and Leo had to hold himself back from capturing them with his tongue. Don's thigh was pressed against his now, the corded muscle strained solid with effort and Leo wondered if the water prince was fighting the urge to press in closer or move away from his touch. He looked up to find Don watching him closely, his lips parted with quickened breath.\n\n``May I kiss you?'' Leonardo asked in a rush, throwing caution to swirl in the wind along with his desire.\n\nDonatello smiled like he was relieved to hear the question, the corners of his mouth twitching with a mixture of embarrassment and mirth. After a long pause he squared his shoulders, obviously fully aware of the power he held, and Leo thought he might suffocate from the want and waiting.\n\nTwo words ...[i]not yet[/i]... hung on a breathy whisper in the air, Don's voice hitching just enough to let Leo know that this denial wasn't carved in stone and he accepted the choice immediately without even the smallest hint of disappointment. The request had been impulsive, daring fate to intervene, but this wasn't their deciding moment. He was willing to do the work needed to earn Donatello's love and affection, because he knew when they finally came together and he was allowed to claim the water prince for his own, the resulting storm created by the collision of air and water would smother all doubt.\n\nDon took a deep breath, biting his lip in a teasing way as he pulled back, leaving a promise between them, and that was something Leo was more than happy to hold onto. For now.\n\nBesides, if he was honest with himself, chasing a romantic connection with Donatello was the least of his current priorities considering everything else they were already dealing with. They still had three remaining trials to complete and finding an answer to the mystery of what happened to Archus and what caused their father's to become estranged so many years ago was of great importance too.\n\nIt was true they had all lost time with the prince of water that they couldn't get back, but there was no reason to rush. The future held more than enough opportunity to make it all up, and then some.\n\nSunlight glinted off the water that rippled around Don's body as he submerged himself again, leaning back against another root poking up from lower in the pool with closed eyes and a contented smile. Leo decided to do the same from his perch, folding his arms over his plastron, happy to simply sit and enjoy the fact that Donatello was with them at last.\n\nAfter a while the sound of a thumping footstep came from the direction of the campsite and Leo looked up just as Raphael came around the tree. The prince of fire grunted something that sounded like `morning' as he made straight for Donatello.\n\nDon sat up to create a space for Raph to slip down next to him and the water immediately began to steam where it came in contact with the fire prince's skin. As he settled, he leaned in, whispering something into Don's ear that made his face light up brighter than the dawn.\n\nA sense of peace came over Leonardo at the sight of them, the strange pangs of jealousy from before completely gone. He would be able to bring that brilliant smile to Donatello's face soon enough. Until then, the privilege of witnessing his happiness, in whatever form it took, was all he needed.\n\nMichelangelo padded in behind Raphael, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. ``Mooorning Don...nie... whoa...'' His drawn-out yawn turned into a gasp of excitement as his eyes lit upon the expanse of desert stretching out in front of them. Rushing into the sun he planted his toes deep in the sand and threw his arms out. ``You guys! This is amaaazing!''\n\n``It's too dry...'' Raphael grumbled; his nose buried in Don's neck.\n\n``It's a wasteland...'' The water prince agreed, tilting his head to give Raph all the room he needed.\n\n``It's perfect!'' Michelangelo sighed, hugging himself with glee. ``It's just like home...''\n\nLeonardo wasn't sure he agreed with that sentiment. Sucellus was open and arid with vast spaces of barren nothingness broken only by dry brush and thin trees, but there was still a warm softness to the place that drew you in with promises of comfort and plenty.\n\nThis was none of those things. This was endless waves of sand with a harsh, unyielding sun that threatened all of them, though none more so than Donatello. They would have to be very careful moving forward.\n\n``We'll stay here today and rest, then move out once the sun goes down.'' Leo announced.\n\n``Fine by me...'' Raphael practically purred, making Don fidget a bit as he nuzzled into his skin. ``I'm good right where I am...''\n\nSmirking at Raph's brazen display, Leo couldn't help but roll his eyes a little, his laugh joining Mikey's as the earth prince danced in the sun.\n\n[center]~*~*~*~[/center]", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "
~*~*~*~

Chapter Thirteen: Pale New Dawn

~*~*~*~


It wasn't the light that woke Leonardo the next morning; though the dawn was slowly pushing back the dark, turning the blackness of night to a soft, muted gray as it advanced. No, what slowly brought him up out of the depths of unconsciousness was the sudden, but not unwelcome, scent of damp earth and crisp citrus that hung in the air.

Leo breathed in deeply, allowing the familiar aroma to fill his senses as he came awake. Shifting, he turned his face toward the shadows still pooling in the back corners of the tent. A cool breeze drifted across his hips, the soft tickling sensation pulling him from his dreams as he cracked his eyes open just a sliver.

He was surprised by the amount of light that was only just illuminating the inside of the tent, usually he was up and meditating long before the sun made its appearance. But he supposed he must have really needed the rest, given the events of the previous day. A heaviness settled in his chest as the memories of what they had seen the night before came back to him.

Sleep had come quickly after Michelangelo guided him away from the fire and Leo was grateful, not only for that escape but also for Mikey's forethought. The earth prince knew, even before Leonardo had realized it himself, that he needed to be away from the others, needed solitude to process the moment before he could be expected to acknowledge it.

It was absurd to think that the vulnerable young man he had seen in the echo could possibly be the same man that would one day become his father. Seeing Apelles in that way, witnessing that outburst of emotion from him, was beyond Leo's ability to comprehend right away. He needed time to let the truth sink in, time to gain a better understanding of Donatello's echoes and what they might mean for the four of them and their futures going forward.

Another breeze caressed his skin, warmer this time as it dipped down, making his tail twitch with a sudden tingle. Leo frowned and opened his eyes fully, tensing as unexpected fingers wrapped around his fists, finally pulling him out of his thoughts enough to feel how tightly his hands were clenched at his sides.

Lifting his head, he looked down to find orbs of crystalline blue hovering between his thighs.

``Stop thinking so hard.'' Mikey teased. ``You're gonna draw blood.''

``I'm not thinking, I'm sleeping.'' Leo mumbled, repeating almost the same phrase he had used the previous night, only this time with an equally teasing tone.

The prince of earth nuzzled his cheek against Leo's thigh, smiling devilishly. ``Didn't know you could sleep with your eyes open. Not sure sleep is what you need right now though...''

A short, breathy laugh was all the prince of air could manage before Mikey pressed forward, his fingers flitting over sensitive leaf green skin as his tongue snaked out to lick the line of Leo's slit.

Letting his head fall back Leo closed his eyes, barely even trying to swallow down the churr that rumbled in his chest. Readjusting his position, he gave a shallow thrust of his hips, encouraging the prince of earth to continue.

There was no hesitation or fear of being overheard this time. Still rising from the hazy place between asleep and awake, Leo welcomed the intensity of Mikey's need and let it bolster his own. The air around them electrified, sharp with the scent of ozone as it began to build. Maybe this was what he needed, a gale to blow away the stress and conflict and doubts of the previous day so they could start over with refreshed hearts and minds.

``Heh, sleepy Leo morning sex has always been my favorite...'' Michelangelo chuckled, coaxing the air prince's half-filled erection out into the open. He kept his rapt attention on the shaft as he stroked it to fullness, trailing his fingers over the head as he went to spread the slickness beginning to collect there.

Leo's eyes rolled back into his head from the touch, his breath catching when a warm, wet tongue slid up the full length of his cock, drawing a deep moan from his throat along with it. He could feel Mikey's grin against his flesh and pushed his hips up to meet him.

Not one to waste an invitation, the earth prince pulled the head into his mouth and sucked, churring lightly, pressing Leo's hips down as the prince of air arched his back and gripped the mat beneath them. The gentle vibrations from the sound traveled down his cock and pulled an answering churr from deep within his chest.

Mikey dipped his head further, pressing all the way down and swallowing before lifting back up, slowly, swirling his tongue as he went. Reaching the tip of Leo's length, he sucked hard then suddenly released it, the popping sound bouncing off the fabric surrounding them, but instead of going back for more, Mikey sat up, dragging his fingernails down Leo's thighs as he went.

``Mikey...'' Leo groaned as his wet shaft was left out in the chill morning air. The desperation in the sound of his voice pulled a matching whimper from the earth prince.

``Oh, don't you worry... you know I never have any patience when it comes to you...'' Mikey licked his lips with a wild gleam in his eye and crawled forward, straddling Leo's hips and diving down to claim a passionate kiss.

In unison they moaned deeply, chasing each other's tongues back and forth, their panting breaths drowned out by the smacking sounds of their lips. Mikey began to grind his hips down, pressing their leaking lengths together, the wetness from each tip spreading with just the right amount of friction. Leo pushed upward, his fingers gripping Mikey's thighs so tightly he knew he would leave marks and a satisfying thrill shot down his spine at the thought.

Breaking their kiss with a growl of impatience, his eyes found the crates stacked next to the mat they lay upon. ``We... we need...''

``Way ahead of you... just relax...'' Mikey husked, reaching back and lifting up to position the head of Leo's pulsing cock against his entrance. Having already slicked himself before Leo woke, there was no need to wait. The earth prince held his breath, a look of pure bliss sliding over his features as he slowly lowered himself onto the thick shaft, savoring the string of steady churrs he pulled from the hard body beneath him.

He stopped once he was fully seated, and the prince of air opened his eyes to find Mikey gazing down at him. Reaching up Leo wrapped his fingers around the back of his neck and pulled him down, pressing their foreheads together so he could savor the feel of his length buried deep within that molten heat.

``You feel... so... good...'' The words came in stuttered grunts as Leo bucked his hips.

``I know.'' Mikey teased with a sly grin, grinding his hips just enough to drag a hissing gasp out through Leo's teeth.

``I missed you...'' ``I love you...'' They whispered at the same time, pressing their bodies into each other so close, as if they hoped to meld into one single being.

Trembling, Mikey began to move, lifting up and dropping back down, slowly at first, grinning as Leo writhed beneath him, but their need was too great to waste time and he quickly set a steady rhythm, swirling his hips in circles as he rode Leo, drawing wanton gasps and churrs from the prince of air.

Their panting breaths mixed in the sliver of space between them, Leo's fingers flexing against the thighs pressed around his sides. The feeling of Mikey's body sliding up and down his length was pushing him to the brink at breakneck speed and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold back for much longer.

Staring up he watched Mikey roll his hips, his hooded eyes looking down at him as he shivered. It was a shameless look, full to bursting with love and desire focused solely on him that sent a bolt of primal pleasure racing down Leo's spine.

It wasn't enough. He needed to be closer. No matter how many times they did this he could never get close enough, felt like he could never claim Michelangelo fiercely enough to prove the depth of his desire for the earth prince. A tingling pressure was building at the base of his cock, and he chased it like he was possessed, his usual calm and careful demeanor tossed aside for this moment, this feeling.

Surging upward he wrapped his arms around Mikey's shoulders, claiming his mouth, sucking on his tongue when the younger prince yelped with surprise. In an instant Leo flipped their positions, struggling to hold himself still as he waited to allow the earth prince to settle on his shell.

Needing a momentary distraction, Leo took hold of Mikey's straining length and stroked it reverently. Endlessly proud of how his touch turned the earth prince's soft moans into insistent grunts and gasps as he began to roll his hips again.

``What do you want, Mike? Tell me what you need.'' The words were deep and husky as he forced them out around a rumbling churr, rocking forward torturously slow, timing the stroke of his hand to the pace of his thrusts.

Michelangelo was splayed out beneath him, his head thrown back, teeth bared, his arms bent up over his head where he clutched the edge of the sleeping mat in a white knuckled grip. Leonardo's heart almost stopped at the sight of him. How was he lucky enough to be worthy of this gift? What had he done to make this beautiful creature love him so completely? The rhythm of his hips faltered and when he didn't resume the motion, Mikey shuddered.

``Need you... Leo... please...'' The earth prince whimpered around a churr that vibrated deep in Leo's bones, his cock spurting wetness onto his lower scutes. ``...please don't stop... mooove...''

Mikey begged through slitted eyes glowing with lust. He was keening, bucking his hips, continuing to fuck himself on Leo's solid length as best he could from the position he was in, and that was the prince of air's undoing. He didn't need to be told twice.

With a hurried gasp he wrapped Mikey's legs around his waist, lifting him into a better position, and drove relentlessly forward, rutting into the pliant body beneath him. Almost immediately heat began to spiral in Leo's groin once more, his hand a blur on Mikey's cock, in sync with his thrusts and their heavy, panting breaths.

``Yes... Leo!... yesss...'' Mikey's cry was cut off as his skin flushed and he stiffened, a long deep churr mixed with a wail that was almost a sob pierced the quiet of the morning as he arched his back and planted his hands flat down on the ground just off the edge of the mat. The earth beneath his fingers began to rumble and shake as his climax finally took hold.

The pressure of Michelangelo's body squeezing like a vice around his pulsing shaft was the end of him. Leo fell forward, pushing inside as deep as he could possibly go, his mouth open in a silent cry as he came.

The lashing of the wind whistling and shaking through the tree branches outside joined the rumble of the earth as their magic flared, riding the crest of their orgasms down and down, until all they could do was twitch through the shallow aftershocks.

Leo's movements were sluggish when Mikey pulled him down to collapse at his side, both of them sighing sadly as Leo slid out of him.

``Did that help? Do you feel better?'' Mikey mumbled against Leo's lips.

``Being with you always makes me feel better.''

``Mmmm, good...''

They spent long minutes drifting through the afterglow, touching each other softly with shaky hands, lazily kissing until Leo noticed Mikey's hands had stilled and his eyes were closed.

Careful not to disturb him, Leonardo extricated himself from Mikey's arms. His usual morning energy was quickly replacing the rush of his orgasm and he thought he might get some training in before the sun was fully up.

Quietly he began to dress, surprised when Mikey's sleepy whisper floated up from the mat.

``You need to talk to Donnie.'' The earth prince sighed as he rolled over.

``I know...''

``He's waiting for you to show him who you really are...''

Leonardo smiled. Michelangelo always did have the innate ability to see right to the heart of the matter.

``Go back to sleep.'' The prince of air whispered in return, leaning down to press his lips against Mikey's temple one more time before sliding on his pants and silently slipping outside. He stretched his back as the morning air hit his face, enjoying the feel of his vertebrae popping.

Raphael's disembodied head immediately caught his attention, his blazing amber eyes glaring from around the side of the red flap of his tent. Leo raised an eye ridge at him.

``Could ya' have been any louder?'' Raph growled. ``Some of us are tryin' to sleep.''

``Sorry?'' Leo replied unapologetically with an open-handed shrug.

Leveling him with another glare Raph mumbled something unintelligible in response and Leo bristled. ``Why are you complaining? Shouldn't you be in there keeping Donnie company.''

``He ain't in here.'' Raphael scowled, but Leo was quick to notice it was disappointment, not anger, that flashed in the fire prince's eyes as he disappeared back into the tent.

Leo tried not to show his surprise, not only for Raphael's revelation, but at the spike of jealousy that had colored his own curt response thinking Raph had the water prince sequestered in his bed.

Maybe Michelangelo was right. He really did need to speak to Donatello.

Looking around the camp he spotted the remains of a small breakfast near the cold fire pit, but the prince of water was nowhere to be seen, so Leo closed his eyes, slowing his breathing as he felt the air.

Instantly he picked up on the two he knew were nearby, their magic comforting and familiar, but there was a third presence, more distant and unknown somewhere close. He reached out further, trying to pinpoint it, but it was strangely muffled, like a limb that had gone numb.

Knowing Donatello couldn't have gone far and that there was nothing for it but to wait, Leo went to the stream for a quick wash.

His scattered thoughts solidified as the cool water splashed his face. There were still so many questions that both he and Don had for each other. But the one thing Leo was most certain of, was that they couldn't go any further without hashing it out. They needed to find their connection, however small it may be to start, or they would never make it through the coming days.

Beaming light flashed in the periphery of his vision, drawing his eye to the east. He followed it to the edge of the forest where the trees suddenly ended, and the desert began. The morning sun, having just crested the horizon, cast its shining light across the sand, so bright the rolling dunes sparkled like liquid gold.

He stopped to survey the distance, cognizant of the fact that there was a lot of vast, empty terrain they would need to cross before they reached their next destination. They would need sun protection, food and water for at least three days, maybe more if they could spare the weight. Their available supplies needed to be cataloged, and deep down he knew Raph and Mikey weren't likely to volunteer for that particular task.

Resigned to the fact that he would need to do it himself, Leo turned back toward the campsite, but before he could move a soft swishing, separate from the constant gurgling sounds of the water, reached his ears. Instantly alert, but careful not to show it, his eyes searched for the source of the sound.

The stream came to its end at the base of an ancient oak, its roots deep and massive enough that the water filled the root cavities, creating small pools and waterfalls before disappearing into the earth through a long, narrow crevice. Rising to his feet in one of those pools, Leo found the prince of water, the dawn light glittering on rivulets of clear liquid trickling down his arms and the grooves of his plastron.

The air prince was momentarily struck breathless by the entrancing sight, but Donatello made no movement, other than a small, knowing smile.

``Good morning.'' Leonardo finally managed to say, only slightly put off that he hadn?t felt Don?s presence before the water prince thought to reveal himself. Perhaps the pool was responsible for the muffled feeling of his magic?

``Does that happen often? You know... the... rattling and the rustling...'' Don made a few vague shaking gestures with his hands down at the ground and up at the leaves above them.

Leo offered only a lopsided smile. ``It does when we're with each other.''

A slow nod was Don's only response and Leo suspected he'd already known, or at least inferred, that fact. Their magic tended to manifest all on its own when it came to sex. Choosing the right time and place for intimacy had been one of the first and most important lessons they'd learned when they reached sexual maturity. Mikey could level a building if he didn't rein it in, and Leo himself had been burned by Raph ~literally~ more times than he cared to admit.

He suddenly had to tamp down on another softly simmering wave of jealousy as he wondered if Don had already experienced the searing heat of Raphael's touch. He wanted to know but didn't want to press Don for details he might not be ready to share yet and chided himself for the feeling. Thoughts like that weren't going to get them anywhere. He knew he should be grateful that at least one of them had been able to form such a quick connection with their missing prince.

``You know,'' Leo gently pressed, ``I think Raphael might be disappointed you're out here and not in there... with him.''

Don's gaze flicked toward the tents and back again, his expression giving nothing away. ``He was sleeping so peacefully; I didn't want to wake him.''

Leonardo almost laughed but managed to swallow it back behind an incredulous smile. ``Raphael and peaceful are two words that don't usually go together.''

Tilting his head to the side, Don frowned. ``I don't think I believe that. Maybe it's not my place to say. It's clear to me that your relationship with him is... complicated. But, if you'll forgive me, I don't think you're giving him enough credit.''

There was a hint of irritation in Don's voice and Leo inwardly winced. He hadn't meant it like that, and he didn't want to appear as if he disapproved of the bond Don and Raph had already formed. Especially because this water born prince was right. Leonardo rarely ever gave Raphael enough credit. It was a known flaw that he was always working to improve upon.

``Apologies, my... relationship with Raphael isn't relevant. The truth is the obvious change in him is a relief. You've only been with us for two days and he's already shown you a side of himself that Mikey and I rarely see. I mean that, sincerely.''

Don looked surprised and then he looked away with a shy smile, a warm color spreading across his cheeks. It was a sight to behold, that blush, and the smile that went with it caused warmth to spread through Leo as well. The only problem was that smile was reserved for Raphael, and in that instant Leonardo resolved to do whatever it took to earn the honor of receiving one of those smiles for himself.

Moving across the pool, Don hopped up to sit on one of the oak's roots, his feet still dangling in the water.

``We should travel at night.''

Distracted by his thoughts, Leo barely heard Don's softly murmured words. He raised a questioning eye ridge in response.

``We'll drastically reduce our risk of heatstroke if we restrict our movement to after the sun goes down.'' Don explained. ``The desert can easily reach unbearable temperatures that will likely persist well past midday. Even if we're properly covered with lightweight layers, dehydration can and will sneak up on you faster than you'd expect.''

His eyes slid back to the expanse of sand stretching out before them, an apprehensive look taking over his face. Leo followed his gaze, cursing himself for the full minute it took before realization struck him. Crossing this desert would be a stretch of time, days, maybe even a week, that they would have little to no access to water, and he paled thinking of what that meant for Donatello.

Raphael could make fire in his fist with just a snap of his fingers, Michelangelo always had the earth beneath his feet, and apart from the depths of the ocean there was nowhere in the world where Leonardo would ever be deprived of the air. But out there, surrounded by nothing but desolate sand, there was no water, and the fear shadowing Don's eyes because of it was suddenly all too obvious.

Moving to the edge of Don's small pool, Leo crouched and leveled the water prince with a confident stare. ``I went through some of the supplies last night, there's a crate full of empty canteens. We'll all load up with as much as we can carry. You won't have to worry about there not being enough.''

Tearing his eyes from the swirling sand, Don blinked. ``Thank you, but I'm not worried. I can't imagine it will take us more than a few days to cross this. I can handle that.''

Maybe it was a white lie designed to not appear weak, but Leo let him have it, if only for the strength he seemed to draw from it. Don may have felt like he needed to put on a brave face, but Leo knew that all three of them would gladly bear the additional weight of extra water without even needing to be asked. For Donatello, they would do anything.

Moving slowly so Don could object if he wanted too, Leo lowered himself down onto the root near where the water prince was sitting. Leaning back against another large root, he crossed his arms over his plastron, and they sat in companionable silence, watching the dawn complete its rise, soaking in the warmth of the sun's rays as day fully broke over them.

From the corner of his eye Leonardo observed the prince of water. Twenty-five years they had waited for him, and now he was close enough to touch and far more incredible than any of them had imagined. Leo felt sick to his stomach thinking about how he'd almost destroyed everything. If it hadn't been for Mikey and his acute powers of observation, Leo might have succeeded in driving Don away for good.

He knew he never would have forgiven himself for being the cause of that, but Don seemed to have taken it in stride. Suddenly Leo wanted to get on his knees to thank Don for being so willing to forget his words and move on. It was probably more than he deserved, and as he stared at Donatello's face, he vowed that he would never take the gift of his forgiveness for granted.

Don looked well rested, like sleep had replenished most of his stamina after the ordeal of his trial. Of course, Leonardo wanted to know every detail of exactly what that ordeal had been, but they'd always been told that they weren't supposed to talk about it, not even with each other, so he didn't question why the water prince hadn't said anything to the rest of them about his experience ~~ still... curiosity was starting to get the better of him.

Feeling like he already knew what the answer was going to be, Leo decided to ask anyway. ``Would I be wasting my time if I asked you to tell me about your trial yesterday?''

Donatello was quiet for a beat and when he finally spoke his tone was apologetic. ``I was... instructed not to say anything.''

Accepting the statement at face value Leo nodded. ``I figured.''

``The challenge comes from facing the unknown.'' Don replied with sympathy. ``However, I will say that, when your turn comes, you will know what to do. For me it was instinct, more than anything else.''

``My father said something similar, once. He had a sour look on his face and said, 'They design it as if you're meant to understand what they want.' I always thought he was simply stating a fact, but after what we saw last night... now I'm wondering if I should have paid closer attention to the tone of his voice.''

``I'm sorry about that. The echo.'' Don cut in quickly. ``I didn't mean to upset you.''

Leo shook his head with a smile. ``I'll admit, seeing him like that was... strange. But you have nothing to apologize for. You had no way to know what the echo would show.''

``Still... I want you to know that I understand. I'm seeing my father... the way that he was... for the first time too.''

The prince of air stared thoughtfully at the prince of water for a long moment, realizing suddenly that perhaps the two of them really weren't all that different. They both had absent fathers, they both bore the weight of responsibility heavily on their shoulders, they both spent much of their formative years alone; perhaps Don more so on that last point, but Leo could sense that he wasn't too far off the mark. There was a loneliness to being the emperor's son that he felt like Donatello would be able to understand. Maybe that was meant to be their connection...

``Can I ask you something? About your father?'' Don asked.

``Of course.''

``In the echo, Apelles was obviously distraught, but... he seemed to resist when the others tried to comfort him.''

``You're asking why he isolates himself?'' Leo guessed. When Don rewarded him with a nod, he continued. ``As far as I know, he's always been like that. I've spent most of my life trying to understand him, but there's a wall he's built around himself that none can penetrate. Outwardly he appears strong, but I know he hides a great deal of uncertainty behind power and control.''

``Last night, Raph told me about Kaimon and Theonis and how they spent almost two years camped at Varuna's border trying to get to my father... I had no idea they had done that... but he made no mention of Apelles.''

Leonardo sighed. This was a topic the three of them had stopped questioning their father's about almost as soon as they had learned about it. The emotions involved were too sharp, sharp enough to cut. The one time Leo had asked, Apelles had shouted at him for three days straight. So, he took the hint, backed off, and never broached the subject again.

``I don't know all the details. My father keeps everyone at arm's length. He never speaks of the others. In fact, the only time he acknowledges they exist is when they're all standing in the same room together. I honestly can't say if I've ever even heard him say Archus's name.''

``I see...''

A puzzled frown creased Don's brow and Leo slid closer, daring to take Don's hand in his own. He simply couldn't stand to see the pain shadowing those warm, dark eyes. ``I promise you this, Donnie. Whatever the reason for that may be, we will find it. One way or another. Just like you said.''

Don looked deeply into his eyes, soaking up his conviction like only a parched soul could. What he was searching for, Leo couldn't be sure, but whatever it was he must have found it, because a moment later the prince of water visibly relaxed, the tension in his body draining away, and he graced Leo with a smile that made his heart skip a beat.

Maybe the glare from the bright morning sun was blinding him, in more ways than one, but the prince of air was almost sure that Donatello leaned closer to him as he smiled. Something undefinable shimmered in the air between them and Leo bit the inside of his cheek just to make sure he wasn't still dreaming.

Michelangelo was right... Don did smell like the sea, briny but fresh, the rawness of it heightened by something spicy, something floral, like the forest after a heavy rain.

``I suppose that opens up another mystery that I haven't really given much thought to before.'' Don said, the softness of his voice cutting through the haze of Leo's thoughts.

``What's that?'' The prince of air asked, his gaze focused on Don's lips as he spoke.

``Our grandfathers. They were separated too. Maybe we don't know Apelles's reasons for staying away, but what about your grandfather? I'm surprised he, at least, didn't join the others when they were trying to get through Varuna's border.''

Leonardo blinked, Donatello's thumb was tracing a warm path across the back of his hand, and he needed to think for a moment. It was a struggle to force his attention back to their conversation. ``When I was young, my father and my grandfather would argue. I remember hearing their yells echoing in the halls. Master Splinter would always take me away from the palace when they fought like that, so I don't remember what was said, but some of it must have been about Archus and Torlan.''

``And what about now?''

``Now... I think you have provided us with an answer to a mystery of our own.''

``Me?''

Leonardo nodded with sad wonder as an understanding clicked into place. ``Fifteen years ago, my grandfather left Aeolus, one night he just disappeared. It wasn't until months later that we finally learned he was living on an island off the southern coast of Agni, with Mikey's grandfather, and Raph's.''

``Wait... fifteen years...?''

``I believe you said that was the year your grandfather died.''

A slow realization dawned on the prince of water's face. ``They must have felt it... when he...''

``It seems they went where they could be together in their grief.'' Leo agreed, suddenly wishing he could go to his grandfather and tell him just how much he now understood. ``As for my father, being apart from the others pains him, I can see it in his eyes, the same way it pained all of us to be apart from you. But still he refuses to go to them. I think that might be part of what drives his cruelty. The constant pain he must feel.''

``Now three generations have been separated, and we still don't know why.'' Don added sadly.

``Not yet, but we will soon.''

With each word their voices had grown quieter, until they were barely more than whispering, leaning in until their foreheads were almost touching, cocooned in a bubble of sunlight and warm breath as the rest of the world faded to nothing around them.

``Do you think that will be us someday?'' Don whispered, wetting his lips as he smiled. ``The four of us retreating to some secluded homestead where no one will bother us. Where we can live out our days together with nothing to come between us.''

``I sure hope so.''

Tiny beads of water glistened on olive skin finally within his reach and Leo had to hold himself back from capturing them with his tongue. Don's thigh was pressed against his now, the corded muscle strained solid with effort and Leo wondered if the water prince was fighting the urge to press in closer or move away from his touch. He looked up to find Don watching him closely, his lips parted with quickened breath.

``May I kiss you?'' Leonardo asked in a rush, throwing caution to swirl in the wind along with his desire.

Donatello smiled like he was relieved to hear the question, the corners of his mouth twitching with a mixture of embarrassment and mirth. After a long pause he squared his shoulders, obviously fully aware of the power he held, and Leo thought he might suffocate from the want and waiting.

Two words ...not yet... hung on a breathy whisper in the air, Don's voice hitching just enough to let Leo know that this denial wasn't carved in stone and he accepted the choice immediately without even the smallest hint of disappointment. The request had been impulsive, daring fate to intervene, but this wasn't their deciding moment. He was willing to do the work needed to earn Donatello's love and affection, because he knew when they finally came together and he was allowed to claim the water prince for his own, the resulting storm created by the collision of air and water would smother all doubt.

Don took a deep breath, biting his lip in a teasing way as he pulled back, leaving a promise between them, and that was something Leo was more than happy to hold onto. For now.

Besides, if he was honest with himself, chasing a romantic connection with Donatello was the least of his current priorities considering everything else they were already dealing with. They still had three remaining trials to complete and finding an answer to the mystery of what happened to Archus and what caused their father's to become estranged so many years ago was of great importance too.

It was true they had all lost time with the prince of water that they couldn't get back, but there was no reason to rush. The future held more than enough opportunity to make it all up, and then some.

Sunlight glinted off the water that rippled around Don's body as he submerged himself again, leaning back against another root poking up from lower in the pool with closed eyes and a contented smile. Leo decided to do the same from his perch, folding his arms over his plastron, happy to simply sit and enjoy the fact that Donatello was with them at last.

After a while the sound of a thumping footstep came from the direction of the campsite and Leo looked up just as Raphael came around the tree. The prince of fire grunted something that sounded like `morning' as he made straight for Donatello.

Don sat up to create a space for Raph to slip down next to him and the water immediately began to steam where it came in contact with the fire prince's skin. As he settled, he leaned in, whispering something into Don's ear that made his face light up brighter than the dawn.

A sense of peace came over Leonardo at the sight of them, the strange pangs of jealousy from before completely gone. He would be able to bring that brilliant smile to Donatello's face soon enough. Until then, the privilege of witnessing his happiness, in whatever form it took, was all he needed.

Michelangelo padded in behind Raphael, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. ``Mooorning Don...nie... whoa...'' His drawn-out yawn turned into a gasp of excitement as his eyes lit upon the expanse of desert stretching out in front of them. Rushing into the sun he planted his toes deep in the sand and threw his arms out. ``You guys! This is amaaazing!''

``It's too dry...'' Raphael grumbled; his nose buried in Don's neck.

``It's a wasteland...'' The water prince agreed, tilting his head to give Raph all the room he needed.

``It's perfect!'' Michelangelo sighed, hugging himself with glee. ``It's just like home...''

Leonardo wasn't sure he agreed with that sentiment. Sucellus was open and arid with vast spaces of barren nothingness broken only by dry brush and thin trees, but there was still a warm softness to the place that drew you in with promises of comfort and plenty.

This was none of those things. This was endless waves of sand with a harsh, unyielding sun that threatened all of them, though none more so than Donatello. They would have to be very careful moving forward.

``We'll stay here today and rest, then move out once the sun goes down.'' Leo announced.

``Fine by me...'' Raphael practically purred, making Don fidget a bit as he nuzzled into his skin. ``I'm good right where I am...''

Smirking at Raph's brazen display, Leo couldn't help but roll his eyes a little, his laugh joining Mikey's as the earth prince danced in the sun.

~*~*~*~
", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Echoes On The Water - Chapter 13", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "3", "name": "Violence", "description": "Mild violence", "rating_id": "1" }, { "content_tag_id": "4", "name": "Sexual Themes", "description": "Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal", "rating_id": "2" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "f", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "1", "views": "52" }