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Is the strange Turtle he meets the worst thing that's ever happened to him, or something else?\n\nMulti-chapter 2k3", "count": "28", "submission_left_submission_id": "1041141", "submission_left_file_name": "1435570_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_3.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/1435/1435570_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_3.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/1435/1435570_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_3.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/1435/1435570_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_3.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "152", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "123", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "152", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "123", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "97", "submission_right_submission_id": "1042539", "submission_right_file_name": "1437628_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_5.doc", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/1437/1437628_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_5.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/1437/1437628_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_5.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/1437/1437628_hummerhouse_don_and_the_puzzle_box_part_5.jpg", "submission_right_thumb_huge_x": "152", "submission_right_thumb_huge_y": "123", "submission_right_thumb_large_x": "152", "submission_right_thumb_large_y": "123", "submission_right_thumb_medium_x": "120", "submission_right_thumb_medium_y": "97" } ], "description": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.\nWord Count: 100K+ multi-chapter 2k3\nSummary: Donatello sets out to do April a small favor and winds up in another dimension.\nRating will vary by chapter, from G to NC-17\n\n~~The amazing preview image created by @dragona15", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.
Word Count: 100K+ multi-chapter 2k3
Summary: Donatello sets out to do April a small favor and winds up in another dimension.
Rating will vary by chapter, from G to NC-17

~~The amazing preview image created by \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdragona15\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdragona15\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
", "writing": "\tMovement near his head immediately woke Don from his fitful sleep. The sounds from the wild boars had faded during the night, allowing Don to doze off for a bit. Now he was wide awake, his system used to running on a limited amount of rest.\n\n\tBending and lifting each of his legs in turn, Don worked the circulation back into them. Only then did he glance up to see what his tree mate was up to.\n\n\t“Morning sunshine,” Nicco said. He was perched on his tree limb with the backpack on his lap, dipping into its confines. “Here, have some breakfast.”\n\n\tHe tossed something down to Don who deftly caught it. The packaging proclaimed it to be a high protein energy bar and Don quickly peeled it open, wasting no time sending a shipment to his empty stomach.\n\n\t“Thanks,” Don mumbled around a mouthful of food.\n\n\t“Welcome,” Nicco said, taking a swig from his canteen before passing it down to Don. “Our company got tired of waiting on us and left. As soon as you’re done with breakfast we should get moving.”\n\n\tDon nodded and stuffed the rest of the bar into his mouth, handing the canteen back to Nicco, who indicated that Don should give him the empty wrapper as well. This he carefully sealed into a plastic bag so the scent of food wouldn’t attract wild animals.\n\n\tWith the backpack firmly in place, Nicco started to descend and Don followed. When they neared the ground, Don leaped nimbly from the tree, afraid that Nicco would think it necessary to help him get down.\n\n\tHe needn’t have worried; Nicco was occupied with his compass. While he waited for the larger turtle to choose a direction, Don looked around at the devastation the boars had wreaked on the surrounding area. What had once been lush with undergrowth was now practically barren, except for the trees that were too large to be eaten. A number of those were missing the bark off their trunks.\n\n\tThe sky was only beginning to brighten and already it was growing hot. As a turtle, Don enjoyed the heat of summer much more than the cold New York winters, but there was a point where a good thing could become too much. He foresaw a long day ahead of them.\n\n\t“We need to head in that direction,” Nicco said, pointing towards an area of heavy growth. “It’s just my turtle luck that we can’t use the trail those boar cut down.”\n\n\tDon chuckled lightly and when Nicco looked at him quizzically, Don said, “That sounded exactly like something my brother Raph would say. He can be kind of pessimistic.”\n\n\t“I guess that runs in the family,” Nicco joked, taking the lead as they started to hike.\n\n\tA quick retort came to Don’s tongue but he decided to skip it. Since he had taken food from the offending turtle it seemed impolite to argue with him and Don didn’t see the point anyway. With any luck, he wouldn’t have to suffer Nicco’s company for much longer.\n\n\tThey had walked for a couple of hours when Nicco stopped and unstrapped the canteen from his pack. He offered it to Don first, who took a mouthful of water and returned the canteen. Swishing the water around in his mouth, Don then swallowed it.\n\n\tNicco took a drink and screwed the top back on as he emulated Don’s actions, swallowing his water after thoroughly wetting his dry mouth. Holding the canteen near his head as he shook it, Nicco said, “About half full. We’ll need to keep rationing this until we can find a place to refill it.”\n\n\t“Keep your eyes open for animal tracks leading in one particular direction, or insect activity,” Don said. “Insects like bees and flies will stay within range of water and can lead us directly to some.”\n\n\tNicco stared at him for a moment, his mouth quirking up at one corner. “Little ninja has been holding out on me. Are you the bright one in the family?”\n\n\tDon flushed, annoyed at the condescension in Nicco’s tone. “I’m an engineer and a medic,” he said fairly heatedly. “I also retain what I read. Stop calling me ‘little ninja’; I’m only a few inches shorter than you.”\n\n\tRather than being bothered by Don’s display of pique, Nicco asked mildly, “You look pretty young; just how old are you?”\n\n\t“I’m eighteen,” Don said. “You [i]act [/i]pretty young, how old are you?”\n\n\tNicco’s smile widened. “Twenty-two. You may be smart and mature for your age, but you still haven’t learned how to take things.”\n\n\t“I’ve learned that there’s a time and place for everything,” Don told him, striving to control his irritation, “and this isn’t it. If you want to continue to deride me, talk to my shell. I’ll take the lead for a while.”\n\n\tBowing mockingly, Nicco placed the compass in Don’s outstretched hand, giving him the bladed hachiwari before waving the younger turtle forward.\n\n\tAs badly as Don wanted to set a fast pace so he could show Nicco he wasn’t helpless, Don’s common sense overrode his annoyance. He kept reminding himself that he really didn’t care what Nicco thought of him because they would soon part ways.\n\n\tAfter a couple of hours of strenuous walking in the heat, Don knew they would need to rehydrate themselves. Not wanting to waste what little water they had, Don kept his eyes open, studying the vegetation that surrounded them. Spotting several long, thick vines growing into the trees, Don selected one and sliced it in half diagonally.\n\n\tThe fluid the leaked from the cut was clear and after sniffing it, Don let a couple of drops fall onto his tongue. It was water, tasting faintly of earth and greenery, but perfectly potable.\n\n\t“Where’d you learn that trick?” Nicco asked, stepping up as Don sliced open another vine and offered it to him.\n\n\t“I read a lot of survival guides,” Don explained. “My brothers and I have had a few . . . adventures, and that knowledge comes in handy.”\n\n\t“And here I was thinking you weren’t the adventuring type,” Nicco said.\n\n\t“I don’t do it for treasure,” Don said, trying not to sound judgmental. “Most of the time it’s when we’re trying to protect ourselves or help others.”\n\n\t“So are you and your brothers crusaders of some sort?” Nicco asked.\n\n\tDon looked at Nicco, trying to guage if the other turtle was kidding him. All he saw was simple curiosity.\n\n\t“No,” Don answered. “We can’t live in the open but we still feel a loyalty to the city where we live. Making it a safer place for everyone is important to us; it gives a purpose to our personal code of honor. We’ve made some powerful enemies in the process and all four of us work hard to be the best that we can be both physically and mentally so we can be prepared for anything.”\n\n\t“Never met anyone so altruistic before,” Nicco said thoughtfully. “That’s not to say we mutants don’t go out of our way for each other on my world, but the only time Mase and I put our lives on the line is when we’re exploring places like this.”\n\n\t“How do you even know there’s treasure here?” Don asked as he sliced into another pair of vines. “You said you were only here briefly before.”\n\n\t“We were,” Nicco said. “A really short time. Mase thought he had the artifact set for a different dimension but he was off a little and we weren’t carrying what we needed for playing around in a jungle. For once turtle luck was in our favor and we landed close to where the transfer artifact was located. While we were hiking towards it we crossed a low spot that looked like it was prone to flash floods and found some rough diamonds scattered around.”\n\n\t“Alluvial diamonds,” Don said softly.\n\n\t“Yeah,” Nicco responded, once more looking with surprise at the younger turtle. “That’s what Mase called ‘em. He said they washed down from a primary source called . . . I don’t know, something that started with a K.”\n\n\t“Kimberlite,” Don supplied.\n\n\t“Exactly,” Nicco said, winking at Don. “The diamonds we picked up paid off some debts and we decided to come back and find the source.”\n\n\t“You do realize that locating the Kimberlite can be very time consuming,” Don said, looking displeased. “Getting at the diamonds themselves means removing a lot of material first, and then you have to screen through the gravel bed to remove the diamonds.”\n\n\t“We know that,” Nicco said. “This trip was about finding the Kimberlite after which we’d start bringing in the things we’d need to mine the diamonds. Now I’ve got to work on the assumption that our artifact is busted and we might not be able to get back here.”\n\n\t“Then finding the Kimberlite won’t do you much good,” Don said, feeling a little better. “We can gather as many alluvial diamonds as we can find on the way to the artifact and then get out of here.”\n\n\tNicco reached out and slowly slipped his hachiwari and the compass from Don’s hands. “We’ll do that for sure,” he said carefully, “but I still want to locate the Kimberlite. Thinking my artifact is busted is a good working theory for this trip, but if it’s not busted then I still have a mission goal to accomplish.”\n\n\tDon could feel his face heating up from frustration, but took a deep breath to avoid becoming confrontational.\n\n\t“Exactly how much time were you going to allocate for that plan?” Don asked. “Keeping in mind of course that the supplies you’re carrying are limited and that at least one of us would like to go home sooner rather than later.”\n\n\tThe corner of Nicco’s lip twitched upwards, a sign that Don was coming to recognize as cocky amusement.\n\n\t“I am certainly keeping those things in mind,” Nicco said. “I won’t keep you here any longer than necessary, that I promise. Let’s get going.”\n\n\tNicco set a little faster pace than Don had, either to prove he meant what he said about not staying long, or to show Don up. Since Don didn’t know Nicco well enough to read him yet, he wasn’t going to guess at Nicco’s motivations.\n\n\tIt was well past noon by Don’s estimations and he was starting to have the first twinges of hunger. The surrounding vegetation had changed a little, becoming more diverse, the air more fragrant. For the first time Don saw flowering shrubs, small blooms that were nearly invisible, but an indication of a wetter climate.\n\n\tSuddenly he stopped and stared at the ground. Nicco forged ahead and it wasn’t until Don called out to him that the older turtle turned and saw that Don was no longer behind him.\n\n\tNicco frowned and backtracked, noticing that Don’s attention was directed elsewhere. “What is it?” he asked.\n\n\tDon pointed at a small group of insects who were travelling in a straight line from their mound to where they disappeared under a nearby shrub.\n\n\t“Don’t disturb them, we need to see where they’re going,” Don said, walking alongside the insects and pushing his way between several heavy bushes.\n\n\t“I hope you know what you’re doing, little ninja,” Nicco replied, following in Don’s steps.\n\n\t“Stop calling me that,” Don told him distractedly.\n\n\tDon lost sight of the insects at one point, but continued a few steps in the direction they were taking, quickly spotting them again. The bushes were thick and grabbed at him, making forward progress difficult. He was beginning to wish he’d asked for the hachiwari when the scent of water hit his nostrils and then he stepped into a clearing.\n\n\tHe stopped abruptly at the sight of a large pool of water. A mass of bubbles at one end indicated it was spring fed and no doubt fresh.\n\n\tA second later Nicco came up behind Don and rested his hands on the smaller turtle’s shoulders. “Good work, Don,” Nicco said, his voice softer than before.\n\n\tDon was immediately aware of the heat from the other turtle’s body and realized that Nicco’s plastron was pressed against his carapace. He had no idea why that made him suddenly forget to breathe, or why when he reminded himself to do so the first thing he noticed was Nicco’s rather appealing scent.\n\n\tStepping away quickly, Don turned and held out his hand. “Give me the canteen and I’ll fill it.”\n\n\tNicco was looking around the clearing and tossed the canteen towards Don. “Don’t dump out what’s in there until you make sure that water is good.”\n\n\tDon rolled his eyes without bothering to respond. He didn’t think Nicco believed him to be an idiot but he did think the guy liked irritating him and Don wasn’t going to give him any more satisfaction than necessary.\n\n\tSquatting near where the bubbles appeared, Don tasted a palm full of the water, noting while he did so that there were animal prints at the edge of the pond. The water was cool and refreshing, tasting a little of minerals.\n\n\tTaking several good long drinks, Don dumped out the warm canteen water and refilled it from the pond. While he was doing that, he said, “I wish we had something else we could carry water in.”\n\n\tReceiving no reply, he looked up and saw Nicco plucking a cluster of berries from a low hanging limb. When the turtle popped one into his mouth, Don jumped up in alarm.\n\n\t“What are you doing? You don’t know if those are safe to eat!” Don exclaimed.\n\n\tNicco grinned as he chewed and gestured towards the trees. Glancing up, Don saw a half dozen monkey like creatures staring down at them.\n\n\t“These are tasty,” Nicco said as he swallowed his mouthful. “I saw them eating the berries and figured they wouldn’t kill me. Come over here and try some.”\n\n\tDon slid the canteen strap over his shoulder before jogging around the pond to join Nicco, who handed him a cluster of the dark blue berries. Tasting one gingerly, Don’s expression changed to one of surprise at the sweet burst of flavor.\n\n\tMeanwhile, Nicco had drawn his hachiwari and was slashing clusters of berries out of the trees as fast as he could, gathering them and shoving them into his pack. Overhead the small monkey creatures began chattering excitedly and as Don looked up again, he saw them begin breaking twigs from the trees and tossing them down at Nicco.\n\n\t“Maybe you should take it easy on the berry gathering,” Don said, growing somewhat alarmed when two of the monkey creatures suddenly disappeared.\n\n\tNicco laughed up at the noisy creatures overhead and threw a handful of berries at them, which they dodged by leaping onto other branches. The sounds they were making increased, and Don could easily imagine what they were calling Nicco.\n\n\t“They should learn to share,” Nicco said, spinning around and fixing Don in place with a pair of glittering eyes. “There are plenty of berries here for all of us.”\n\n\t“I’m guessing your brother is the cautious one in the family,” Don said somewhat dryly.\n\n\tStriding towards Don with a cocky swagger, Nicco came in close enough so that their plastrons were nearly touching, forcing Don to tilt his head back. Refusing to be intimidated, Don didn’t give an inch.\n\n\t“Not really,” Nicco said, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards. “You remind me a little of him, except you don’t smile as much. Tell me, little ninja, what does it take to make you smile?”\n\n\tMovement just over Nicco’s left shoulder drew Don’s eyes and he ignored the question as alarm bells began going off in his head. Taking a step to the side, he looked up into the trees to see two extremely large creatures swing closer. They were covered in heavy dark fur, with long arms and strong looking fingers, and more importantly a mouthful of teeth.\n\n\t“Nicco, it’s time to leave,” Don said quietly.\n\n\tThe other turtle was still staring at Donatello, his eyes sliding over the lightly scarred olive skin as though seeing it for the first time. “Why?” he asked, his voice low.\n\n\t“Because you were teasing the kids,” Don said, nodding towards the trees rather than gesturing so as not to agitate the creatures that looked very much like baboons.\n\n\tNicco turned his head slowly, glancing up in time to see a third and fourth baboon creature come into view.\n\n\t“Oh crap,” Nicco said.\n\n\tSlipping his backpack on, Nicco began to reach into his belt for his hachiwari but Don quickly caught his wrist.\n\n\t“Back up and don’t make any sudden moves,” Don said. “Don’t make eye contact. They are territorial and if we show them deference they may not attack. If they do, I’ll hold them off with my bo so that we don’t accidently kill one. Unless we cause them bodily harm, they will probably not chase us beyond what they consider their territory.”\n\n\t“Gotcha,” Nicco said, backing as Don directed. “But don’t think I’m going to leave you standing here to fight alone. If they attack all bets are off.”\n\n\t“Grab my belt and guide me,” Don said, rather than argue the point. He made no move for his staff, hoping that their passive retreat would placate the baboon creatures.\n\n\tDon felt Nicco tug at his belt and began walking backwards, keeping the baboon creatures in sight. They were almost out of the clearing when one of the creatures tossed its head back and let out a shrill cry.\n\n\tAs one, the baboon creatures leaped out of the trees and charged towards the pair of turtles.\n\nTBC……………", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "\tMovement near his head immediately woke Don from his fitful sleep.  The sounds from the wild boars had faded during the night, allowing Don to doze off for a bit.  Now he was wide awake, his system used to running on a limited amount of rest.

\tBending and lifting each of his legs in turn, Don worked the circulation back into them.  Only then did he glance up to see what his tree mate was up to.

\t“Morning sunshine,” Nicco said.  He was perched on his tree limb with the backpack on his lap, dipping into its confines.  “Here, have some breakfast.”

\tHe tossed something down to Don who deftly caught it.  The packaging proclaimed it to be a high protein energy bar and Don quickly peeled it open, wasting no time sending a shipment to his empty stomach.

\t“Thanks,” Don mumbled around a mouthful of food.

\t“Welcome,” Nicco said, taking a swig from his canteen before passing it down to Don.  “Our company got tired of waiting on us and left.  As soon as you’re done with breakfast we should get moving.”

\tDon nodded and stuffed the rest of the bar into his mouth, handing the canteen back to Nicco, who indicated that Don should give him the empty wrapper as well.  This he carefully sealed into a plastic bag so the scent of food wouldn’t attract wild animals.

\tWith the backpack firmly in place, Nicco started to descend and Don followed.  When they neared the ground, Don leaped nimbly from the tree, afraid that Nicco would think it necessary to help him get down.

\tHe needn’t have worried; Nicco was occupied with his compass.  While he waited for the larger turtle to choose a direction, Don looked around at the devastation the boars had wreaked on the surrounding area.  What had once been lush with undergrowth was now practically barren, except for the trees that were too large to be eaten.  A number of those were missing the bark off their trunks.

\tThe sky was only beginning to brighten and already it was growing hot.  As a turtle, Don enjoyed the heat of summer much more than the cold New York winters, but there was a point where a good thing could become too much.  He foresaw a long day ahead of them.

\t“We need to head in that direction,” Nicco said, pointing towards an area of heavy growth.  “It’s just my turtle luck that we can’t use the trail those boar cut down.”

\tDon chuckled lightly and when Nicco looked at him quizzically, Don said, “That sounded exactly like something my brother Raph would say.  He can be kind of pessimistic.”

\t“I guess that runs in the family,” Nicco joked, taking the lead as they started to hike.

\tA quick retort came to Don’s tongue but he decided to skip it.  Since he had taken food from the offending turtle it seemed impolite to argue with him and Don didn’t see the point anyway.  With any luck, he wouldn’t have to suffer Nicco’s company for much longer.

\tThey had walked for a couple of hours when Nicco stopped and unstrapped the canteen from his pack.  He offered it to Don first, who took a mouthful of water and returned the canteen.  Swishing the water around in his mouth, Don then swallowed it.

\tNicco took a drink and screwed the top back on as he emulated Don’s actions, swallowing his water after thoroughly wetting his dry mouth.  Holding the canteen near his head as he shook it, Nicco said, “About half full.  We’ll need to keep rationing this until we can find a place to refill it.”

\t“Keep your eyes open for animal tracks leading in one particular direction, or insect activity,” Don said.  “Insects like bees and flies will stay within range of water and can lead us directly to some.”

\tNicco stared at him for a moment, his mouth quirking up at one corner.  “Little ninja has been holding out on me.  Are you the bright one in the family?”

\tDon flushed, annoyed at the condescension in Nicco’s tone.  “I’m an engineer and a medic,” he said fairly heatedly.  “I also retain what I read.  Stop calling me ‘little ninja’; I’m only a few inches shorter than you.”

\tRather than being bothered by Don’s display of pique, Nicco asked mildly, “You look pretty young; just how old are you?”

\t“I’m eighteen,” Don said.  “You act pretty young, how old are you?”

\tNicco’s smile widened.  “Twenty-two.  You may be smart and mature for your age, but you still haven’t learned how to take things.”

\t“I’ve learned that there’s a time and place for everything,” Don told him, striving to control his irritation, “and this isn’t it.  If you want to continue to deride me, talk to my shell.  I’ll take the lead for a while.”

\tBowing mockingly, Nicco placed the compass in Don’s outstretched hand, giving him the bladed hachiwari before waving the younger turtle forward.

\tAs badly as Don wanted to set a fast pace so he could show Nicco he wasn’t helpless, Don’s common sense overrode his annoyance.  He kept reminding himself that he really didn’t care what Nicco thought of him because they would soon part ways.

\tAfter a couple of hours of strenuous walking in the heat, Don knew they would need to rehydrate themselves.  Not wanting to waste what little water they had, Don kept his eyes open, studying the vegetation that surrounded them.  Spotting several long, thick vines growing into the trees, Don selected one and sliced it in half diagonally.

\tThe fluid the leaked from the cut was clear and after sniffing it, Don let a couple of drops fall onto his tongue.  It was water, tasting faintly of earth and greenery, but perfectly potable.

\t“Where’d you learn that trick?” Nicco asked, stepping up as Don sliced open another vine and offered it to him.

\t“I read a lot of survival guides,” Don explained.  “My brothers and I have had a few . . . adventures, and that knowledge comes in handy.”

\t“And here I was thinking you weren’t the adventuring type,” Nicco said.

\t“I don’t do it for treasure,” Don said, trying not to sound judgmental.  “Most of the time it’s when we’re trying to protect ourselves or help others.”

\t“So are you and your brothers crusaders of some sort?” Nicco asked.

\tDon looked at Nicco, trying to guage if the other turtle was kidding him.  All he saw was simple curiosity.

\t“No,” Don answered.  “We can’t live in the open but we still feel a loyalty to the city where we live.  Making it a safer place for everyone is important to us; it gives a purpose to our personal code of honor.  We’ve made some powerful enemies in the process and all four of us work hard to be the best that we can be both physically and mentally so we can be prepared for anything.”

\t“Never met anyone so altruistic before,” Nicco said thoughtfully.  “That’s not to say we mutants don’t go out of our way for each other on my world, but the only time Mase and I put our lives on the line is when we’re exploring places like this.”

\t“How do you even know there’s treasure here?” Don asked as he sliced into another pair of vines.  “You said you were only here briefly before.”

\t“We were,” Nicco said.  “A really short time.  Mase thought he had the artifact set for a different dimension but he was off a little and we weren’t carrying what we needed for playing around in a jungle.  For once turtle luck was in our favor and we landed close to where the transfer artifact was located.  While we were hiking towards it we crossed a low spot that looked like it was prone to flash floods and found some rough diamonds scattered around.”

\t“Alluvial diamonds,” Don said softly.

\t“Yeah,” Nicco responded, once more looking with surprise at the younger turtle.  “That’s what Mase called ‘em.  He said they washed down from a primary source called . . . I don’t know, something that started with a K.”

\t“Kimberlite,” Don supplied.

\t“Exactly,” Nicco said, winking at Don.  “The diamonds we picked up paid off some debts and we decided to come back and find the source.”

\t“You do realize that locating the Kimberlite can be very time consuming,” Don said, looking displeased.  “Getting at the diamonds themselves means removing a lot of material first, and then you have to screen through the gravel bed to remove the diamonds.”

\t“We know that,” Nicco said.  “This trip was about finding the Kimberlite after which we’d start bringing in the things we’d need to mine the diamonds.  Now I’ve got to work on the assumption that our artifact is busted and we might not be able to get back here.”

\t“Then finding the Kimberlite won’t do you much good,” Don said, feeling a little better.  “We can gather as many alluvial diamonds as we can find on the way to the artifact and then get out of here.”

\tNicco reached out and slowly slipped his hachiwari and the compass from Don’s hands.  “We’ll do that for sure,” he said carefully, “but I still want to locate the Kimberlite.  Thinking my artifact is busted is a good working theory for this trip, but if it’s not busted then I still have a mission goal to accomplish.”

\tDon could feel his face heating up from frustration, but took a deep breath to avoid becoming confrontational.

\t“Exactly how much time were you going to allocate for that plan?” Don asked.  “Keeping in mind of course that the supplies you’re carrying are limited and that at least one of us would like to go home sooner rather than later.”

\tThe corner of Nicco’s lip twitched upwards, a sign that Don was coming to recognize as cocky amusement.

\t“I am certainly keeping those things in mind,” Nicco said.  “I won’t keep you here any longer than necessary, that I promise.  Let’s get going.”

\tNicco set a little faster pace than Don had, either to prove he meant what he said about not staying long, or to show Don up.  Since Don didn’t know Nicco well enough to read him yet, he wasn’t going to guess at Nicco’s motivations.

\tIt was well past noon by Don’s estimations and he was starting to have the first twinges of hunger.  The surrounding vegetation had changed a little, becoming more diverse, the air more fragrant.  For the first time Don saw flowering shrubs, small blooms that were nearly invisible, but an indication of a wetter climate.

\tSuddenly he stopped and stared at the ground.  Nicco forged ahead and it wasn’t until Don called out to him that the older turtle turned and saw that Don was no longer behind him.

\tNicco frowned and backtracked, noticing that Don’s attention was directed elsewhere.  “What is it?” he asked.

\tDon pointed at a small group of insects who were travelling in a straight line from their mound to where they disappeared under a nearby shrub.

\t“Don’t disturb them, we need to see where they’re going,” Don said, walking alongside the insects and pushing his way between several heavy bushes.

\t“I hope you know what you’re doing, little ninja,” Nicco replied, following in Don’s steps.

\t“Stop calling me that,” Don told him distractedly.

\tDon lost sight of the insects at one point, but continued a few steps in the direction they were taking, quickly spotting them again.  The bushes were thick and grabbed at him, making forward progress difficult.  He was beginning to wish he’d asked for the hachiwari when the scent of water hit his nostrils and then he stepped into a clearing.

\tHe stopped abruptly at the sight of a large pool of water.  A mass of bubbles at one end indicated it was spring fed and no doubt fresh.

\tA second later Nicco came up behind Don and rested his hands on the smaller turtle’s shoulders.  “Good work, Don,” Nicco said, his voice softer than before.

\tDon was immediately aware of the heat from the other turtle’s body and realized that Nicco’s plastron was pressed against his carapace.  He had no idea why that made him suddenly forget to breathe, or why when he reminded himself to do so the first thing he noticed was Nicco’s rather appealing scent.

\tStepping away quickly, Don turned and held out his hand.  “Give me the canteen and I’ll fill it.”

\tNicco was looking around the clearing and tossed the canteen towards Don.  “Don’t dump out what’s in there until you make sure that water is good.”

\tDon rolled his eyes without bothering to respond.  He didn’t think Nicco believed him to be an idiot but he did think the guy liked irritating him and Don wasn’t going to give him any more satisfaction than necessary.

\tSquatting near where the bubbles appeared, Don tasted a palm full of the water, noting while he did so that there were animal prints at the edge of the pond.  The water was cool and refreshing, tasting a little of minerals.

\tTaking several good long drinks, Don dumped out the warm canteen water and refilled it from the pond.  While he was doing that, he said, “I wish we had something else we could carry water in.”

\tReceiving no reply, he looked up and saw Nicco plucking a cluster of berries from a low hanging limb.  When the turtle popped one into his mouth, Don jumped up in alarm.

\t“What are you doing?  You don’t know if those are safe to eat!” Don exclaimed.

\tNicco grinned as he chewed and gestured towards the trees.  Glancing up, Don saw a half dozen monkey like creatures staring down at them.

\t“These are tasty,” Nicco said as he swallowed his mouthful.  “I saw them eating the berries and figured they wouldn’t kill me.  Come over here and try some.”

\tDon slid the canteen strap over his shoulder before jogging around the pond to join Nicco, who handed him a cluster of the dark blue berries.  Tasting one gingerly, Don’s expression changed to one of surprise at the sweet burst of flavor.

\tMeanwhile, Nicco had drawn his hachiwari and was slashing clusters of berries out of the trees as fast as he could, gathering them and shoving them into his pack.  Overhead the small monkey creatures began chattering excitedly and as Don looked up again, he saw them begin breaking twigs from the trees and tossing them down at Nicco.

\t“Maybe you should take it easy on the berry gathering,” Don said, growing somewhat alarmed when two of the monkey creatures suddenly disappeared.

\tNicco laughed up at the noisy creatures overhead and threw a handful of berries at them, which they dodged by leaping onto other branches.  The sounds they were making increased, and Don could easily imagine what they were calling Nicco.

\t“They should learn to share,” Nicco said, spinning around and fixing Don in place with a pair of glittering eyes.  “There are plenty of berries here for all of us.”

\t“I’m guessing your brother is the cautious one in the family,” Don said somewhat dryly.

\tStriding towards Don with a cocky swagger, Nicco came in close enough so that their plastrons were nearly touching, forcing Don to tilt his head back.  Refusing to be intimidated, Don didn’t give an inch.

\t“Not really,” Nicco said, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards.  “You remind me a little of him, except you don’t smile as much.  Tell me, little ninja, what does it take to make you smile?”

\tMovement just over Nicco’s left shoulder drew Don’s eyes and he ignored the question as alarm bells began going off in his head.  Taking a step to the side, he looked up into the trees to see two extremely large creatures swing closer.  They were covered in heavy dark fur, with long arms and strong looking fingers, and more importantly a mouthful of teeth.

\t“Nicco, it’s time to leave,” Don said quietly.

\tThe other turtle was still staring at Donatello, his eyes sliding over the lightly scarred olive skin as though seeing it for the first time.  “Why?” he asked, his voice low.

\t“Because you were teasing the kids,” Don said, nodding towards the trees rather than gesturing so as not to agitate the creatures that looked very much like baboons.

\tNicco turned his head slowly, glancing up in time to see a third and fourth baboon creature come into view.

\t“Oh crap,” Nicco said.

\tSlipping his backpack on, Nicco began to reach into his belt for his hachiwari but Don quickly caught his wrist.

\t“Back up and don’t make any sudden moves,” Don said.  “Don’t make eye contact.  They are territorial and if we show them deference they may not attack.  If they do, I’ll hold them off with my bo so that we don’t accidently kill one.  Unless we cause them bodily harm, they will probably not chase us beyond what they consider their territory.”

\t“Gotcha,” Nicco said, backing as Don directed.  “But don’t think I’m going to leave you standing here to fight alone.  If they attack all bets are off.”

\t“Grab my belt and guide me,” Don said, rather than argue the point.  He made no move for his staff, hoping that their passive retreat would placate the baboon creatures.

\tDon felt Nicco tug at his belt and began walking backwards, keeping the baboon creatures in sight.  They were almost out of the clearing when one of the creatures tossed its head back and let out a shrill cry.

\tAs one, the baboon creatures leaped out of the trees and charged towards the pair of turtles.

TBC……………", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Don and the Puzzle Box part 4", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "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": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "6", "views": "162" }