money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Jun 10, 2017 21:45:10 GMT -5
The storm had hit suddenly and quickly. One minute, the sun was shining, it’s glow warming the southern terrain. The next, the herd land had been covered in darkness and the skies had opened up. Wind howled, destroying anything its path. The sea levels rose, and the normally peaceful sound of the waves had become crashes, flooding the lands within moments. Luckily, the herd had been able to find shelter in the some of the higher grounds, and no one had been seriously injured. But, the herd lands themselves were damaged badly. The plants that they needed to survive had been killed and drinkable water had been contaminated with sea water. As Donatello surveyed the destruction in front of him from on top of the old dunes, he couldn’t help but wonder how this had happened. He and his mother had recently returned and were just starting to settle back into the herd. This weather was sure to put everyone at edge.
Donnie’s stomach began to growl loudly. He hadn’t felt hunger like this since his journey back. Despite the desert conditions, food had always been plentiful in the herd lands, albeit sandier than Donatello preferred. But, since the storm, it had been difficult to find food. The herd spent most of their days searching. Donatello knew that the lands would return. It was an ancient land, he could feel it in his bones, and one storm was not enough to completely destroy it. But, Donnie couldn’t help but wonder if the herd would last that long, or if they would move on.
Donatello sighed as the hunger pains only grew stronger. He couldn’t ignore it any longer. Donnie was trying his best to leave the best forage for the pregnant mares, who were eating for more than just themselves. Donnie knew that no matter how noble he was trying to be, however, he had to eat as well. It was important to keep his strength up, especially since he spent half of his time looking out for his brother. They had only been apart for 6 months, but something had changed in his twin brother. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. So, for his brother’s sake as much as his own, Donnie began his descent from his perch and away from the ocean, in the hopes of finding something edible.
tagged: open!
word count: 393
|
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Jun 30, 2017 15:45:12 GMT -5
Michelangelo had gotten used to the sounds that his stomach made; the growling. Sometimes he would play games with it to see who could make the scariest growl. In the end, his stomach would always win. His father had taught him how to 'charm' the cactus's into allowing him to eat without getting a spine in his nose, something he imagined his brother had not learned from his travels with his mother. Mikey was still not sure how he felt about their return. He had settled into his placement here, and here they were back again as if nothing had happened, if they had done no wrong.
"Give them a chance Mikey, there's gotta be an explanation.' Cooed the gentle voice of Leonardo, as he seemed to come up beside him on his silent hoofbeats. Of course no one saw the second horse, because it was only a hallucination of Michelangelo's mind. Leonardo was always one for second chances, always one to wait for an explanation before assuming something. "They just want to make you squirm. Chase 'em out of here!"[/u] Came the voice of the other, more powerful, more sinister as Raephael approached on his silent hooves.
Michelangelo stood in silence a moment, contemplating what his hallucinations had told him. He was aware no one else could see them, he knew that full well...but he was not about to call them imaginary, for he knew they were more than that. He drew in a breath and tried to catch a glimpse of them; but even turning his head quickly to the side all he could catch was a a wisp of an idea. He sighed, lowering his crown and snorting. The sand did not blow like it normally did, so wrought with the drowning waters of the sea that had flooded the land. He frowned a moment, wondering for a moment how his mother would far. It was hard enough finding things to eat out here; and he did not know if she had learned yet from his father how to charm the cactuses into providing it, and certainly his brother had not. He snorted and rolled his eyes; whichever friend he listened to, he needed to go and find his brother and teach him how to survive.
He trudged forward, the muck of the damp sand clinging to his ankles and sucking him deep into it. It suctioned around each step that he took, sucking him down to around his hocks. Even trying to scent out his brother was difficult, the storm had brought so many smells that he did not quite know how to sift through yet. He had never left the desert home like his mother and brother had, so all the outside scents were new to him. His step was nothing more than a plod, as that was really as fast as he could go through the muck and mire that was the flooded sandy death trap. How many he wondered would be struck ill with some sort of lack of food?
No. They'd need to go find some. He needed to find Donnie so that Donnie could lead him out of here, and they could go find food and bring it back. Something to sustain them, his family, until the land returned to its normal state. It was after this decision that he found his brother's scent, and a whinny escaped him. He picked up the pace, bounding like a rocking horse from his front feet to his back feet as he made like a rabbit through the muck. He didn't bother with introductions as he looked to his brother.
"We need to find food for everyone. You know the world outside, you lead the way. I'll lead us home."
For the first time in his life, he sounded completely serious. And he was. He was not letting any of his family suffer due to the storm. He did not know where they would go to find food. He had not yet been warned of the two leggeds, so he did not know what dangers awaited if they ventured too close to their lands. But he had to find food for the pregnant mares and for his little siblings. He'd manage on his own, but they might not be able to. He stared at Donnie, waiting for him. And in the back of his mind, both Raephael and Leonardo were nodding with approval of his decision. Michelangelo did things his own way; and always would.
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Jul 8, 2017 11:16:10 GMT -5
Donatello’s muscles began to ache as he walked, having to put in twice the work to move out of the damp sand. He had gained muscle while traveling with his mother. They visibly rippled under his two-toned coat as he walked, despite his gangly appearance, for he still hadn’t quite grown into his limbs yet. However, even that was not enough to prepare him for terrain of the new herd lands, which seemed to pull him backwards with every step, no matter how much effort Donnie put into every step. After walking for 15 minutes, he found himself needing to stop, legs shaking and sides heaving as he recovered. But, it was a good thing that he had halted, for otherwise, he would not have heard his brother’s call over the sound of his labored breathing and heart pounding. His ears caught the sound before his eyes saw his twin. Raising his head, his blue eyes scanned the land for a moment before landing on his brother. He watched as his brother bounded towards where he was standing. Mikey always seemed to have an endless amount of energy, even with the rapid decline of food. When Michelangelo finally reached where Donatello was standing, he allowed him to speak first, as he often did with their relationship. Mikey was the voice of the pair, Donnie was the reason. It was one of the things that he missed the most while they were separated. Prior to his departure, Mikey had practically been able to read his mind, something that hadn’t returned yet, and quite frankly, Donatello wasn’t sure would ever return. It had made Donnie sad, he loved his twin more than words could say. He still hadn’t approached the subject of his and their mother’s departures. Quite frankly, Donnie didn’t really know how to put into words the reason why he left, or how much he missed his brother’s companionship. Much to Donatello’s surprise, the words that exits Mikey’s mouth were of a serious matter, probably for the first time in his life. Donatello did his best to hide his surprise, though, not wanting to discourage it. Michelangelo was right, too. Nodding, Donnie told his twin, ”You’re right. The mares are going to get sick soon if we don’t find something.” Gazing around the lands, Donatello tried to think through things logically. They had to find lands that had not flooded as badly as their own lands, because that was what had killed the vegetation. Donnie then told Mikey, “We have to leave the desert, where plants are used to rain. Are you sure you can get us back?” Donatello was still learning the way of the land. He wouldn’t be able to find the way back, not with all the new scents surrounding the herd land. He was going to have to trust Michelangelo. Tagged: Ostrich Word count: 473 Notes:  |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Jul 17, 2017 15:07:47 GMT -5
Michelangelo was already annoyed at his brother for leaving, but hearing his words his auds flicked back. Did his brother really still think that he was that stupid? He could hear a war cry from Raphael in his head and his own eyes narrowed to his brother.
"You think I'm so stupid and helpless without you, don't you? I'm still alive, aren't I? And where were you for the past forever? Running around with mom god only knows where. I'll go myself then, like I've been doing for the past forever."
He spun on his heel, not even bothering to say anything more. There was no point to it anymore, his brother was always going to think that Michelangelo was incapable, and apparently think that he was better than him. He was hurt that he had been left behind, ultimately, but he also just wasn't in the mood to deal with being talked down to and for Donatello to act like it was all his idea.
His feet hung in the wet sand, a slurping sound made every time he would lift his foot as he trudged away. His ears were still flat against his skull. Unlike his brother, he'd never left the terrain, but he would be able to follow the smells back to it. He would have to find the way out of the terrain himself, which he hadn't wanted to do-but he would. His brother apparently had too much belittling to do than to accept help from him.
The truth was, he wasn't quite alone though. Trudging along beside him, in his mind's eyes, was the blue roan coat of Leonardo and the red coat of Raphael. Leonardo was telling him to turn back around and accept the help, but Michelangelo wasn't listening to him right now. Raphael was the one who was telling him to keep going, that he didn't need his brother, and that was who he was listening to. He trudged on, and after a few more steps, he began his bounding rocking horse motion toward where the scents were unfamiliar. He best leave that way, toward the smell of the grasslands that his father sometimes returned from with a new mare. Perhaps there, there would be sustenance that was not drowning in the surplus of water. He didn't need his brother, he had some brains too. He had to learn to use them when his brother had disappeared anyway.
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Jul 19, 2017 21:53:03 GMT -5
Ears pinned backwards at Mikey’s words. Donatello stood there as his brother turned on his heel and went the other direction, too angry to do anything but stare. If looks could kill, Donnie would be shooting daggers from his orbs. His anger, though, stemmed from guilt. Donnie knew his twin was hurt, and honestly, if the roles had been reversed, Donnie would have been just as hurt. But, Michelangelo had never given Donnie a chance to explain what had happened and why he had left. From the moment Donnie had gotten back, Michelangelo had been absent, hiding who knows where. After a moment of watching Mikey bound away, when the anger didn’t subside, Donatello knew they had to deal with this now, once and for all. Get it all in the open. If they didn’t try to resolve whatever was happening between them, it would continue to simmer until there was no hope of ever having their relationship back again. Screaming out in frustration, Donatello leaped forward, ignoring the mud that was desperately trying to hold him against the mud. The action, which had seemed nearly impossible just moments early, came easier to Donnie, fueled purely by adrenaline. His ears remained pinned against his skull, showing his displeasure and anger. It took a few moments, but eventually, Donatello caught up to his brother. With one more giant effort, Donnie leaped ahead, landing squarely in front of Michelangelo and blocked his path. Snarling slightly, Donnie told him, “This ends right now. I’m tired of this. We either settle our differences or we go our separate ways. But we can’t keep doing this.” Snorting, Donnie softened his tones as he continued, “You’re my brother, and I love you. I always have, I always will. Do you really think it was easy for me, sneaking away in the middle of the night? Not even being able to say goodbye? What was I supposed to do though? Let mom leave by herself? At least I was there to protect her, and I was able to convince her to come back. What would you have done in my shoes?” As Donnie glared at Mikey, he could feel his anger starting to ebb away, but he did his best to hold on to it, at least for now. He wasn’t going to let this fight go any longer. They both needed to say what was in their hearts, right now. Tagged: OstrichWord Count: 404 Notes: |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Aug 5, 2017 19:30:02 GMT -5
Mikey's ears pinned the moment he heard the muck sucking his brother's feet in. He didn't want this to continue. He'd finally come to terms with the abandonment, and now they were back, acting like they cared so much. He curled up his nose at it, forcing himself to try and move faster through the muck and mire, but to no avail...it held him, sticking him into place. His formless companions had no issue with getting through it, and he was jealous of even them, his two figments of his imagination, one on each side of him; the blue roan of his friend Leonardo and the blood bay of his friend Raphael. They looked over their shoulder, Leonardo begging him to stop and speak to his brother, Raphael egging him on. But then, they were all confronted when Donatello leapt ahead of them. Rapheal was biting at the bit, ready to strike out and start a fight. While Mikey had been training to be a man, Donatello had been running around with a mare.
"Mom's a whore and you're her favorite. I get it. Now get out of the way so I can help my family."
He jumped to the side and began making his way through the muck once more, before stopping a few feet away.
"Oh yes. It must have been so hard to follow mother to better climates, abandoning us all here in the heat to rot and die. It must have been so hard for you exploring the world while I tended to father's feelings of remorse for not being able to find her or you. It must've been so hard for you to deal with the abandonment issues because your own fucking mother and supposed best friend forever roamed off in the middle of the fucking night without so much of a goodbye or a reason why. Oh wait..."
He paused, taking the few steps toward his brother, and sticking his muzzle right up into his brother's face.
"That didn't happen to you you sorry sap. Grow up and quit whining like you're still on mother's teet."
His ears pinned back as he withdrew his head, glaring to his brother. A sick and sinister laughter escaped him as he realized what his brother had asked him.
"What would I have done? What would I have done? I would've gotten dad. He would've known what to do in the first place. Instead you just snuck off with her like the mama's boy you are. We're done here. We were done the minute you left without saying goodbye. So bye bye, go your separate way. This is not your home anymore, and I'm not your brother. You made sure of that when you left me, wondering why I was abandoned. Wondering why she'd taken you and not me. And you know what I came up with? Because you're the perfect one, and I'm the insane one. You're too late and I'm so over your little ass whining how hard it was for you. She didn't even come back for me. She didn't even look for me. She ran straight to him. I'm just the unnecessary side effect of...well, you. So go on. I'll disappear like I should've been. When people ask if you have a brother you can tell them no. Because he died the fucking day you left him of a broken heart. It's been a long time coming, but I finally see my true potential."
Laughter. Pure and maniacal laughter escaped him as he turned away once more, and trudged onward. Screw this family, they had all foresaken him. They'd forgotten him the minute that Donatello and Ambrosia walked back into the terrain.
"Michaelangelo is dead. Shredder is the only one here now."
And for once, for once there was silence in his mind as he picked up each foot with purpose, and made his way to the edge of the terrain. He'd raise an army of the damned, the foresaken, the forgotten. Because that's all he was to anyone now. Somewhere deep inside, the hurt little Mikey was balled up crying. But he wasn't allowed to show that anymore. No one had time for him anymore.
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Aug 6, 2017 20:25:17 GMT -5
Michelangelo’s insults were rapid fire, each one stinging more than the other one. Donatello didn’t even have time to respond before Mikey was spitting venom at him again. All Donnie could do was stand there and stare at him, his jaw slacked slightly. It was very clear that this anger had been building for months now, simmering somewhere deep inside until now, when it finally had a release. And, it was clear from his words that Donnie wasn’t the only one he was angry with; his mother was the other source of this uncontrollable rage. However, since Donnie was the only one present, he was clearly receiving the brunt of it. Even if Donnie had been able to interrupt, he wouldn’t have. It was evident to anyone in the nearby vicinity that Michelangelo needed to get his words off of his chest. However, Donnie couldn’t help but hope it would end soon. He wanted his brother back. With everything now in the open, he wanted to start repairing the damage he had caused. Their relationship would never be the same, that was clear. But, maybe, they could start fresh and try at least friendship again. It seemed to be forever before Mikey paused, but finally, it seemed like his twin had nothing left to say. Donnie opened his mouth, ready to beg for forgiveness, ready to do anything to start the healing process. But, before he could do so, a laugh left Mikey’s maw, one that Donnie had never heard from his brother before. However, he didn’t get chills until he heard his brother speak. It was in a voice that didn’t even resemble Mikey’s, introducing himself as Shredder. Donnie could feel his heart pounding in his chest. If he had known the chain reaction he was going to cause by confronting Mikey, he would have at least done it in the presence of their father. From the moment that he and his mother had returned to the herd lands, he could tell that his brother had been different. He couldn’t put into words what, and therefore, hadn’t voiced his concerns aloud to anyone. He realized now that it was a big mistake. As he watched the yearling that looked like his brother walk away, he knew in his heart that it wasn’t his brother anymore. Rearing up, he called out for help from anyone. Rearing up, he then sprinted away as fast as he could, looking for his mother, hardly even noticing the mud that attacked his feet that just moments ago had been so problematic. Meanwhile, Ambrosia had been searching for food, like the rest of the herd had been doing since the storm, when she heard his sons’ voices softly being carried across the desert. Lifting her head, she paused for a moment. She couldn’t make out words, but it was clear that the voices were friendly or in jest. Her sons were fighting. Sighing, Ambrosia knew this day was coming. The boys, so close after they had been born, had acted like strangers since the minute they had returned. It was only a matter of time before they would duke it out. Ambrosia wasn’t too worried at first, sure that they just needed to fight it out before the relationship could heal, the relationship that broke directly because of Ro’s actions. It was her biggest regret leaving, knowing that she had separated them. Shortly after she had returned to looking for food, however, Donnie’s panicked voice reached her auds. She was easily able to locate where the sound was coming from, and immediately took off. Ambrosia and Donatello soon ran into each other. Before Ro could ask what was happening, Donnie shouted, “Mom, there’s something wrong with Mikey. He’s acting differently, saying his name is now Shredder. You’ve got to help him!” Ambrosia didn’t bother asking for details, and instead stated, ”Show me.” Without further ado, Donnie sprinted in the direction he had just come from, his breath coming in noisily now, Ambrosia close on his heels. Donnie was scared, which Ambrosia was quickly picking up on. Michelangelo two-toned body soon came into sight. Donatello slid to a stop the minute he came into view. He loved his brother, even now, but he still hadn’t recovered from his verbal abuse just moments earlier. Ambrosia could feel the apprehension practically radiating off of Donnie, and didn’t push the issue. Instead, she slowed her gait to a trot, then a walk, before slowly approaching Mikey. She wanted to appear confident, but after seeing Donatello’s reaction and knowing Skelly’s history, a bubble of apprehension was beginning to form in the pit of her stomach, no matter how hard she tried to suppress it. When she was within talking distance of Mikey, she called out to him, ”Sweetie?”Tagged: Ostrich Word count: 798 Notes: Sorry I got a little carried away... |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Aug 6, 2017 20:56:45 GMT -5
He wanted to be alone. He had been alone, except for Cactus and his dad, for a while now. He felt closer to his little sister than he did his twin brother after his mother and his sane brother leaving. And perhaps it was her innocence, perhaps it was just that she seemed to accept who he was in every aspect, and never question it. His heart broke a little, thinking of leaving his sister. But it was precisely that; he had to leave, for fear of hurting her. Somewhere deep inside, Mikey was still there, protecting those he loved. He knew his little sister and his father loved him, but he did not feel that his brother and mother did. He was the red headed unwanted one.
And so he trudged on. He trudged on and his ears pinned back as he heard Donatello's panicked cry. It took that long for it to sink in? He thought Donnie was supposed to be the smart one. He rolled his eyes, and looked to the ground, snorting at the wet sand that still sucked his feet in deeper. He just wanted it to let him go. He'd been raised in the desert, perhaps he could go live in the tundra he'd heard was to the north.
But all too soon, he heard the hoofbeats of a larger horse approaching. Flaring his nostrils, he brought their scent in. His mother. His mother had bothered to show up to see what had scared Donatello. Not to see what was the matter with Michelangelo, at least not the mind of the two toned colt. For a moment, he could hear his friends snapping at him, telling him to come back. His hooves sunk into the sand as he stood, awaiting her to approach and start the verbal abuse back at him for hurting his brother's ego. But instead, she just said one word. One word, that quieted the voices once more and set the cold tone into his voice as it was loosed from his lips.
"You've never called me that before, why start now? I know you're only here because your beloved son ran to you in fear of the monster I've become."
He didn't bother turning to look at her, his ears plastered to his head as he lowered it to the ground to gain leverage with the sand and pull his hoof from its grasp, no longer bounding, the spring gone from his step as he began a slow trudge forward.
"Go back to your mama's boy. I was fine without you."
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Aug 7, 2017 8:50:01 GMT -5
Ambrosia was cautious, not wanting to further upset Shredder, knowing that the angrier he became, the harder it would be to retrieve her son from the dark place she knew he was currently residing. From her discussions with Skelly and his own personal demons, she knew that her son was still in there, somewhere. She was going to bring him back, no matter what. Her son, who had been so sweet and loving when she left, had become sullen and withdrawn by the time she returned, and Ambrosia knew she was the one to blame. She was the one who left, and who allowed Donnie to come with. She needed to fix her mess and not run away from her problems, for the first time in her young life. Ambrosia waited until Shredder had finished speaking, not wanting to interrupt. His voice was so different from Mikey’s. If she hadn’t been able to see that it was, in fact, her son right in front of her, she would have sworn it was a completely different horse speaking to her. She slowly ambled after him as he walked, keeping enough distance between them so that he didn’t feel threatened, but remaining close enough that he would hear every word without needing to shout. She kept her tones soft and soothing as she spoke, telling him, “I’ve never called anyone Sweetie before now.” Pausing, she continued, guilt dripping from every word, “I know I haven’t been a good mother. I have been selfish, putting my own needs before those of my children. Especially you. I’ve hurt you, and I can’t take that back. But I want to do better. I promise to do better.” Tears began to fill her eyes, but Ro pushed on, saying, “You are not a monster. You are my baby, no matter how big you grow. I love you Mikey, more than you will ever know, and I am so sorry if my actions hurt.” She used her son’s true name for the first time, hoping to coax him out of hiding, to fight whatever demons were in his head and to return to her. Donatello remained where he was, watching the interaction between his mother and twin. He couldn’t hear anything from where he stood. He could only watch body language and hope for the best. His heart still pounded and tears were beginning to sting his eyes, but he refused to let them fail, remaining stoic. His mother had to get through to Michelangelo. She just had to. Donnie had missed his brother during his travels, that was without question. But, he hadn’t realized how much he needed his twin until that moment, when the possibility of Mikey being gone forever had become a real threat. Donatello couldn’t imagine life without his twin, refused to imagine it, and instead, kept blind faith towards his mother. He wasn’t sure she could actually do it, but at that moment, she was their only hope. Tagged: OstrichWord Count: 496 Notes: |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Aug 7, 2017 11:43:56 GMT -5
His ears pinned as she started talking. The sound of her voice grating on his nerves. He'd rather her scream, he'd rather her yell, but the sound of her caring voice...trying to sooth him...only seemed to rile him up a little more. He dare not turn to look at her though, knowing his resolve would be shaken if he did so, and so he kept trudging forward. He wished she would just go away. No matter what she said, he knew how he felt and she couldn't change that with just words. At the mention of his name coming from her lips, something in him broke. Whether it was good or bad, it would remain to be seen, but tears formed at the corner of his eyes as he stopped dead in his tracks. Everything in that moment built up until now. He wanted so badly to hate her. He wanted so badly just to go back to the way things were, he was aloof but he had gotten to the point that he was okay again hanging out with his friends Leonardo and Raphael...but now he was supposed to forget everything and go back to the way things were before that? When his voice of reason had been Donatello and his mother?
His voice cracked as he tried to scream it out, tried his best to keep up the tough demeanor he thought he needed.
"My name i-is Sh-SHREDDER!"
But as soon as the words came from his lips he felt his knees give out beneath him and he collapsed to the wet earth into tears. He wanted to be a normal family. He wanted his mother's love, and she had abandoned him.
"If you loved me, why did you leave? Why do you treat us different? It's because I'm like dad, isn't it?"
The tears flowed freely now, and the words came in between sobs. He closed his eyes, trying to disappear into the sand in that moment. He'd broken. He was weak, and that was probably why his mother was lying to him now about loving him...so that she could laugh at him and spit on him because he was weak. It was why she'd left him...wasn't it? Because she didn't want to associate with his craziness, and maybe hadn't realized how his father had been? He started to dig with his muzzle, wanting nothing more than to bury his head in the sand. Maybe he'd suffocate then and she could forget he ever existed...she wouldn't have to keep pretending she cared now that she was back.
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Aug 7, 2017 22:57:12 GMT -5
At first, it appeared like Ambrosia’s words weren’t getting through. The colt refused to look at her, continuing his journey forward. But, Ro was not deterred. She had promised herself that she was going retrieve her son. She was not giving up that easily, and continued her forward motion. However, after she had mentioned his name, something in Mikey awoke. Initially, it appeared that Shredder was going to win. The anger in his voice as he shouted at her made Ro wince. Ambrosia had never guessed such a sound could have erupted from her son’s mouth. Her sweet son, who upon first entering the desert after she had recovered from his birth, had giggled at the sand and stood in awe at his father. Her son who had spent his first 6 months bounding around the mares of the herd while Donatello watched pensively. She didn’t recognize the horse standing before her. But, almost immediately after Shredder had emitted those words, dripping with such rage, a visible change occurred. Ambrosia watched as the two-toned horse’s body language completely changed. The colt collapsed to the ground, tears streaming from his eyes. She could practically feel the hurt emanating from Mikey as he spoke, and she knew that if Mikey wasn’t back yet, he was very close to resurfacing. The tears that had been threatening to fall earlier finally fell from Ambrosia’s eyes as she realized fully the damage she had done when she had left. She had never meant for any of it to happen, but that didn’t mean it hurt any less. Ambrosia had been roughly around the same age when she had left her mother to rot away in a stall, she had thought that Mikey would have been fine without her. But it dawned on Ro then that there was a big difference between her and Mikey: she had chosen to abandon her mother, Mikey had been left. Ambrosia cautiously leaned in, ready to spring backwards if Shredder decided that she had crossed a boundary. She allowed his scent to envelope her. He still had the smell of a foal, but only slightly. He was soon growing into a stallion, which was only a further reminder of all that she had missed. Ambrosia told him fiercely, “You have got to believe me, son, when I say you did nothing wrong. You are perfect, just the way you are. You did not chase me away. I chose to leave, and choice I regret every day, for my own selfish reasons. I was an immature mother who hadn’t known what I was getting myself into when I became pregnant, and I panicked. The responsibility of raising you and your brother was overwhelming, and I ran from my problems.” She paused for a moment, then continued, more softly this time, “You have to understand that it was my intention to leave both of you behind, and if Donatello hadn’t caught me leaving and threatened to tell your father, you both would be in the same boat right now. And, if the tables had been turned, and you had been the one who had caught me, you would have been the one to have joined me while I ran.” The tears that had been trickling became a steady stream, but Ambrosia managed to choke out, “Please come back to me, my sweet boy. I don’t know how, but I promise I will make this up to you.”Meanwhile, Donatello, still watching everything unfold from a distance, leaped forward when he saw his brother fall to the ground. It took every ounce of self-control to stop himself in his tracks. All he wanted to do was to leap to his brother’s aid, to help him. But, Donnie was afraid that in doing so, Shredder would feel attacked, and Mikey would retreat farther into the dark place. Instead, Donnie remained still, his muscles taunt with anxiety. He was no longer able to stop the tears from falling as he softly whispered to no one in particular, “Brother, please come back to me. Please.” Tagged: Ostrich Word Count: 679 Notes: |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Aug 8, 2017 11:06:42 GMT -5
All of his hate and anger shifted from their mother back to his brother at his mother's words, which surely wasn't her intention. So she had wanted to leave, she hadn't kidnapped his brother...he'd gone with her willingly. He'd left Mikey to rot in the heat of the desert alone, feeling unloved and unwanted by everyone...because he had threatened to tell their father. He snuffled and jerked away, forcing himself to a standing position from the ground he had collapsed upon. He turned to look at her as she spoke again, asking for him to come back to her. He wasn't the one that had left! Hurt, hate, and mixed emotions in his eyes. There was darkness swirling within them, that it was evident he was trying to fight but the hurt seemed to over power all of it. He looked to his mother, seeing her for the first time again since she had returned. He could see the hurt in her eyes, and in a way he felt himself vindicated. He looked to his brother in the distance, standing there afraid; hiding behind the mare that had given them both life. It angered Mikey once more and his ears pinned back, but instead of lunging, he turned away.
"No. I wouldn't have gone with you mother. I would've told dad as soon as I saw you leaving, instead of threatening to tell him if you didn't let me come with you. I wouldn't have left my family. And if you'd grabbed me, you would've had to kill me to stop me from screaming out and waking the whole herd."
He turned away once more, a determined look in his eye. He started walking away again. They could follow him all they wanted, but it didn't mean a damned thing anymore.
"We thought you were dead. And frankly, you are to me still. My mother wouldn't have left me. My brother wouldn't have left me. So therefore, neither of you must be really them. Something happened, and they died. Five months ago, they died."
His words were in his own voice once more, the defeated sound of them echoing in his mind; the hateful Shredder was gone. No. He didn't hate them, but he couldn't bring himself to love them right now either. And perhaps, it was due to the feeling of being so unloved himself. He wanted to just have his family back. Every day, he had stared out over the terrain waiting to see them upon the horizon...and now that they were back, it was more a slap in the face. They had left him. They'd left him like it didn't matter, but they were the ones playing the victim. They had gotten to be together. Skellington was older, he was used to mares growing tired of him and leaving...but his family was all he had ever known. And in one night, his own mother and brother were gone, without warning. How was he supposed to react?
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Aug 9, 2017 15:56:07 GMT -5
Ambrosia stood her ground as she watched Mikey stand, but her muscles remained taunt in case he decided to attack her. His legs still had the gangly appearance that foals had, but just barely. He was practically grown now, which would make an attack much more dangerous. Ro truly believed that Mikey wouldn’t her, but she wasn’t sure about Shredder. As he looked at her, Ambrosia could see the hurt and anger in his eyes, and for a moment that, Ambrosia was afraid that her intuition about an attack was correct. However, the moment seemed to have passed, because as he spoke, Mikey turned away. Ambrosia quickly responded, “That’s because you are more courageous than either of us. I can’t speak for your brother, I still don’t know why he chose to come with. But I left out of fear. A fear that had I discussed with your father or one of the older mares in the herd, I would have soon realized was a normal one that would have passed. A fear that had I just asked for help, I wouldn’t have missed so many important moments in my son’s life. If I had even an ounce of your bravery running through my blood, things would have turned out so differently for you. And for that, I am truly sorry that I am a coward.” It was the first time since Ambrosia had returned that she was taking responsibility for her actions. Internally, her words made her uncomfortable. Saying them for the first time aloud made her realize how poor of a mother she was, something Ro had promised herself she wouldn’t be after her own troubled start. But, this wasn’t about her. This was about Mikey and the apology he needed to hear from his mother. She would have to deal with her own issues later, privately. Ambrosia could feel her spirits lifting as she heard Mikey’s voice return, knowing that Shredder was gone. At least for now. However, her moment of relief was quickly dampened as his words, and she could feel her heart crumbling into tiny pieces in her chest. The words that Shredder had been speaking had been Mikey’s words after all. The hurt and the damage was done, and it didn’t look like she would ever get her baby boy back. She couldn’t even get him to look at her, for the words he uttered were casually tossed over his shoulder as he continued to talk away, not even bothering to see where they had landed. Ambrosia didn’t give chase, not wanting to aggravate Mikey again, fearful for the return of Shredder. Instead, her words choked with tears, she called out to him, “I can’t change what I did, I have to live with the results of my actions. But I’m not giving up on you Michelangelo. You are my son, and I love you, and I will spend every day of the rest of my life proving to you how much I care for you.” She had said all that she could, Mikey was either going to allow her back into his life or not. With all her heart, Ambrosia hoped that he would. She knew he had a lot of anger left, and she still had a lot she had to do to prove to him that she wasn’t leaving. But, even with her dying breath, Mikey was going to know that she cared. Tagged: OstrichWord Count: 572 Notes: |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Sept 11, 2017 16:13:59 GMT -5
His voice was a rattle as it came from his lips, as if two wolves were fighting inside of him for control like the old Indian tale of whoever would have control.
"Mikey...is...gone."
His body trembled as if he was fighting against it, fighting against himself to take control as it looked up to her, such mixed emotions in those brown eyes of his that it was unnerving. Hatred and anger mixed with sadness, loneliness, fear, and love. Which wolf would be the stronger? Which wolf in the end would survive? Would the starved for affection Mikey be able to survive this battle, and be himself again, or would the brooding Shredder win after all and steal away into the night never to be heard from again?
He scowled, a bitter expression across his kissers as he looked at her, ears flicking back frantically as the young boy inside of the grown horse tried to figure out what was up and what was down. His mother, who had left him, was back. His brother, his best friend who had abandoned him, was back. And here they both were, trying to make amends, but he didn't know if it was too late and if he had cracked to far. He snapped his teeth at the empty air in front of him. He just wanted to be free of the confusion. He just wanted to be free of the burden of it all, to go on living like nothing had ever happened, to be more like his father and be able to brush the past under the proverbial rug and act like nothing had happened...but could he? "There a many ways one can accomplish such a task."
It was a strange sight, as it came moseying toward them, the armadillo, but it seemed to be honed in on Michelangelo, and he seemed drawn to it, as if it was talking to him. Of course, it wasn't really there, so neither Ambrosia nor Donatello would have seen it; the almost pure white armadillo marching through the sand toward the three of them, toward Michelangelo, with the blue roan colt and the chestnut colt behind him in perfect steps. He tilted his head and bent one knee, lowering his muzzle to the ground-but at least the trembling stopped.
The armadillo stopped in front of the colt, and looked to him with a tilted head, before raising up on his hind feet and walking toward him, pressing his small hand upon his muzzle.
"It is time, you find your true purpose, my son. Come. Both of you, come. The brotherhood must be brought back together."[/b]
The two colts, Michangelo's friends and comrades Rapheal and Leonardo, seemed not to be afraid of the strange and mystical creature. And so when they began to walk away and follow him, again in perfect step, Mickey nodded, a somber but calm expression on his face. He took a deep breath, looking to Ambrosia, then to Donatello, then back to Ambrosia once more.
"Donatello, Sensai says it is time for us to go now. When we are ready, we can return. We will be back, after we have finished our tasks..."
The word mother was on the tip of his tongue, but he could not force it out. He rolled his shoulders and turned away, following behind the two figures of his imagination, first at a trot to catch up, and then slowing to a walk. It was not forced like it had been before, but it was more subdued than normal, as if he was almost in a trance.
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Sept 15, 2017 16:20:04 GMT -5
Another wave of guilt washed over Ambrosia as she watched the external implications of the internal battle Michelangelo was currently having, realizing that she was the reason the battle was occurring. Not to say that if Ambrosia hadn’t left, Mikey wouldn’t be fighting this solitary battle at another time. But, at least she wouldn’t have been the catalyst. His expression changed rapidly as his body trembled. Ambrosia knew that there was nothing left she could say to help Mikey win against Shredder. She had said all that she could about the matter, all that Ro could do was wait. Donnie still watched from afar, eyes wide as his brother snapped at the empty air. He was still too far away to hear any words being exchanged, but it was clear just by his twin’s body language that he was fighting off personal demons, and that it was too early to tell who was winning. Abruptly, Mikey seemed to stop moving, staring off into the distance. Ro turned to look at where her son was gazing, expecting to see another herd member coming to hear what the commotion was about. However, much to Ambrosia’s surprise, besides the wet sand, she didn’t see anything. Concern flooded her features as she turned back to look at Mikey. She opened her mouth to ask if he was okay, when suddenly, Mikey kneeled to the ground, his muzzle touching the ground as he peered intently at something that was not there. Donatello, who had noticed the unexpected change in behavior, began cautiously making his way over to where his mother and brother stood, unable to stand idly by anymore. Just as Ambrosia was getting ready to call out to Skellington for help, Mikey stood back up and spoke. His words did not reflect any of the anger or sadness that had intertwined every word just moments earlier. Instead, his words were calm, purposeful, as he turned and addressed Donatello. Donnie was taken aback at first. But, he was happy that Mikey was speaking to him at all, let alone asking him to join him. Even if Donatello didn’t know what he meant. Unsure, he looked to Ambrosia for a moment, then said to Mikey, “Sure...okay….” Uncertainty clung to each word as they left his mouth, but Donatello didn’t have time to ask any questions before Mikey began moving, almost as if he was following something. Donatello kept pace with his brother, not wanting to lose him, but he looked back again at Ambrosia, confused to what was happening. Ambrosia didn’t want to interfere, not since the boys seemed to be getting along. But something didn’t feel right. Mikey’s sudden change in body language and tone didn’t sit well with Ro. Anxiety was beginning to boil in the pit of her stomach, she knew something wasn’t right. She knew she had to find her pumpkin king. Whatever Michelangelo was going through, he was going to be the only one who was going to pull him out of it. She quickly spun on her heel, and took off in the opposite direction. She just hoped she could find Skelly before anything happened. Tagged: Ostrich Word count: 526 Notes: I wasn't sure if we wanted to drag Skelly in yet, but I figured either way it was a good way for Ambrosia to make an exit for now! |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Jul 23, 2018 19:49:35 GMT -5
Michaelangelo followed behind the albino armadillo, saying not a word to his brother nor looking at him. He had a new mission right now; to tame the Shredder and expel him from ever doing further damage. Sensai would be sure of that. With as obedient as Raphael and Leonardo were being with him, he knew he best do the same.
It seemed they were walking a while, the sands turning into softer dirt; though still flooded and sucking their hooves down. Finally, they reached an area with strange plants, ones he had never seen before. They had five leaves, in a fan sort of pattern, stacked on top of each other. They smelled different too; a sort of herbal smell that Michangelo filled his nares with once or twice before turning his full attention to the albino armadillo; who stood and watched him. The toadstools he had seen before, on adventures with his father, and thought of no concern to him. He looked to Donatello, seeing him but not being able to look him in the eye. His attention turned to Michaelangelo.
"The power of the sun must be harnessed; fire set to the brush here for your brother to see the truth."
Michaelangelo nodded, even though he hadn't a clue what that meant. Raising his head, he looked around. The sun was still shaded from view, hiding behind the clouds. A rainbow was forming in the sky for a brief moment, before thunder rolled once more. Mikey quivered, but he did not shake as he used to in a storm. Rain poured down a moment, in an odd sort of fashion, before lightning struck the ground before them. It struck the tiny plant and set it ablaze; quickly filling the area with a white smoke. Mikey looked to the sky, nodded, and blew at the flame; causing it to grow a little larger. As oddly as the storm had started, it ceased, as if made by some sort of God instead of nature.
"That...okay fine."
The armadillo had nothing more to say with that. He just shrugged, as Michaelangelo spread the fire to the other plants, lined perfectly in a row. It caught onto the toadstools as well, making them pop and crackle before they exploded into a small little cloud of gray smoke, mixing with the white brought by the others. It was not long before both yearlings were shrouded in a thick fog of smoke.
"Breathe now, both of you, for only then can you open your eyes..."
Michaelangelo, whose eyes were being slightly bloodshot, turned to his brother. Amidst a small bought of laughter at how he had ever been mad at him, he calmly tried to say to breath, but it came out in a much more garbled sentence.
"Breath, man. Let it fill you with...air stuff."
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Jul 24, 2018 9:15:01 GMT -5
Michaelangelo appeared to be blindly following something, but despite peering around her brother multiple times, Donnie couldn’t see anything. Donnie continued to follow his brother, more out of concern than curiosity at this point. The adrenaline pumping through his body heightened his senses. Her ears were in constant motion and his nostrils flared, trying to take in as much as his surroundings as possible. Almost as suddenly as they had started walking, they stopped in a clearing filled with strange looking plants. The scent of the strange foliage reached Donnie’s flared nostrils, and it was unlike anything he had ever smelled before, even while traveling with his mother. Donatello was about to tell his twin that he didn’t think that this was something they should bring back to their hungry herd when suddenly, a storm arose out of nowhere. One minute the sun was shining hot, the next clouds were blocking its view and thunder was rolling in the distance. It wasn’t long before the skies opened up and rain drenched the two colts. The apprehension that Donatello had felt since his brother had suddenly changed his tone of voice and asked him to follow was quickly turning to fear. This fear was only made worse as lightening struck the ground between the foals, lighting the plants on fire. Donatello skittered sideways, but his need to stay nearby his brother overpowered any instinct for self-preservation, and while the thought of bolting was ever-present in his mind, Donnie ignored the voice that told him to flee. As quickly as the storm had rolled through, it ended. The thunder was instantly silent and the clouds disappeared, allowing the sun to resume its duty in heating up the desert. The scent of the burning foliage wafted all around the twins. Even without his brother’s instructions, it began to fill his nose, and he couldn’t help but breathe it in. Within moments, Donatello felt his mind slowing and the anxiety leaving his brain. He didn’t know how, but his body felt heavy and light at the same time, but he didn’t have the focus to care. A dopey grin soon found its way onto his maw, and he giggled slightly as he said, “Brother!”Tagged: Ostrich Word count: 370 Notes: HAHAHAHA I'm dying this is hilarious[/b] |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Aug 6, 2018 15:04:32 GMT -5
Michaelangelo was not surprised by the way he felt, it was the way he had felt often times; before they had returned. Carefree, above the earth...high on life. Finding the joy in little things. He wanted nothing more than to go back to the playful childhood he had known, before the things started happening, the voices started coming to him. He did not bother to move when the lightning struck; as if he was unafraid. Perhaps he was too stupid to be afraid.
"Focus, young ones. We have much to do in this short time."[/i]
Immediately, though his ears still flopped to the side, and his head still hung lower than intended, he stood at attention and faced toward the armadillo. He was a funny looking creature, that Mikey had to stifle a laugh at. He glanced to the side though, and seeing not Leonardo or Raphael laughing, he quit and looked to Donatello.
"Listen to Sensai. You see him now, don't you?"
Attention immediately faced forward once more, to the yellow armadillo in the heat of the flames and the smoke.
"We must train, you must become able to face your own worst enemy; your greatest fear. For if you cannot, then you can never overcome this problem between you all."[/i]
|
|
money & 342 posts
— (@jenn)
|
Post by jenn on Aug 27, 2018 11:31:34 GMT -5
Donatello was stilling giggling when he heard a voice seemingly out of nowhere. It wasn’t his brother’s voice, that was for sure. At any other time, Donnie would have panicked, trying to figure out where the voice was coming from. However, in his current state, he didn’t seem to mind. His mind was so cloudy and filled with a sense of calm he had never experienced before, he didn’t have room for fear and worry. He closed his eyes, enjoying the bliss. Donnie opened his eyes again as he heard his brother speak. Puzzled by Michelangelo’s words, he followed his brothers gaze until his own eyes landed on a strange looking creature sitting beside the blazing foliage. Donatello blinked a few times, trying to figure out if he was real. Donnie had seen armadillo’s before, but never one with such an intelligent look to its face, nor had he ever heard one speak. Again, under any other circumstance, Donatello would have been skeptical, thinking this was a trick of some sort, but today, he blinked a few times to make sure the creature wouldn’t disappear, then stared at him with the same intent his brother did. It wasn’t long before the armadillo spoke again. Donnie’s ears flicked forward and an intense look of concentration appeared upon his face, wanting to make sure he caught every word. When the armadillo was done speaking, Donatello’s goofy grin returned and he spoke, his words slurring ever so slightly, “You have taken care of my fears, friend. They’re all gone!” Donatello couldn’t believe he had been so upset just moments earlier. Everything seemed so trivial now. Word count: 272 Tagged: OstrichNotes: Sorry this took so long, I can't believe I missed it! |
|
money & 1,053 posts
Baby, feel the love. I just want to feel the love
— (@ostrich)
|
Post by Ostrich on Sept 11, 2018 18:00:57 GMT -5
The scepter of the armadillo seemed to produce a big stick out of no where, jingles on the end in the form of cactus pods. He couldn't believe that Michelangelo was being the more serious one; or rather, it was Michelangelo who couldn't believe that he was being the more serious one and Donatello was being a complete spaz in front of the master. With a whap, the figure swung the giant stick and it crashed into Donnie's head, of course not create any real damage because it wasn't really there.
Michelangelo did not speak, he did not retaliate for his brother. He knew that they were in the wrong. He had understood the words, and Donatello did not.
"No. He means we must fight. Our biggest fears are each other."
Michelangelo knew it was the truth; his biggest fear was his brother coming back to him changed, and when he had not and he grew angry-he realized he was the one who changed. Donatello's fear was of Michelangelo, for fear of what he had become. Donatello was still the ever amazing wise brother he had always been, but Michelangelo was no longer the little brother to be pushed around. His brother had missed much of his formative years; they were not little anymore. They had been gone for some time; and in that time where he was the only son, his father had taught him to fight. His father had taught him to lead, even though Michelangelo had not wanted that. But the fighting...the fighting he believed in. Because no one ever listened to him, and sometimes the only way to get attention was violence. Perhaps it was something heavily misguided, but he was not innocent anymore.
The armadillo looked to Michelangelo, and nodded, before looking to Donatello once more.
"He is correct. If you choose not to face your fears, you may never become a team again. Neither of you will want to win, or defeat the other. But to face your fears, you must turn and fight."
The armadillo walked away at that point, disappearing into the mist. The sand blew, kicking up a bit of a sand storm that snuffed out the fire in the vegetation. Michelangelo, a somber expression on his face, turned to look at Donatello.
"When you are ready, we can begin."
|
|
