Legacy Mutation (Book Eight)

Chapter 11: Welcome to the Lair

"The plan is for you guys to come over after Dean's football tryout," Asher explains as the large group heads towards the field.

He shifts a little, glad that those who need patches went and replaced theirs. The small stickers are the only thing keeping them from behind revealed, the biggest no-no in the Hamato Clan's minds.

"I still can't believe he's actually doing that..." Kelly comments, tugging on the hem of her shirt.

"He's got this. We need a Hamato out there on the field," Dakota says.

"I just hope he doesn't get hurt," Elisabeth murmurs.

"He's tough. He stood up to Jason, remember?" Mitch nudges her.

She smiles lightly. "Yeah."

"Guys! My mom says I'm okay to go," Nixie says happily.

"YES!" Mitch pumps his fist in the air victoriously.

Nixie laughs. "Yeah, it only took a few days of begging." She looks to her phone briefly. "You'll need to walk me home though."

"I will take that job readily," Mitch says, looping his arm in hers and posing heroically.

"Cough, flirt, cough," Copeland whispers to Tiki.

Tiki laughs. Nearby, Lukas nudges Asher.

"What sort of stuff do you have planned?" he asks.

"We were just gonna improv it," Asher replies.

"Sweet. I can't wait to see your parents' lab! It sounds so cool!" Lukas grins.

"Dakota, we'll get to look too, right?" Kelly asks.

"Certainly," she replies.

"GUYS! COME SIT WITH US!" Venus hollers from the bleachers.

Blake and Keith wave, looking nervous at the sight of the much older kids. On the field, Dean warms up with Chase and a bunch of other grade nine and ten boys. It's obvious right from the start that Dean has an advantage, his running and his strength much higher than those of the other candidates.

"Hey Vennie," Copeland greets, ruffling her hair. "Hey Jones Jr."

Blake laughs, giving her a tentative fist bump. Keith smiles shyly and scoots a little closer to Venus. The group settles in to watch the tryouts eagerly.

"GO DEAN!" Copeland whoops.

"GO DEAN!" Tiki calls.

"WHOOP WHOOP!" everyone else screams.

On the field, Dean grins and flashes a thumbs up sign at his family and friends as he keeps warming up. Chase jogs over to the bleaches, leaning against the bleachers and smiling at Asher.

"You sure you don't want to try out? It's not too late to join," he says.

Asher shakes his head. "Nah. I'm good. Thanks anyways."

"Cool. Whatever works for you, man." He turns and jogs away, giving them a two finger salute.

The practice starts up, and Dean excels right off the bat. He's fast, strong, and light; everything a ninja should be. His cousins all grin, knowing that each and every one of them hold the same abilities.

By the end of practice, Dean is sweaty and exhausted. Nevertheless, he's happy. As they head home, they chat and laugh, never running out of things to say.

"Okay guys," Copeland says once they arrive at a manhole. "You don't have to come. Last chance."

"Move it or lose it! This is epic!" Lukas whoops, hopping down into the tunnels.

Everyone follows, and Dean leads the way. He texts his mom and dad, telling them that they're on their way.

They weave through the tunnels easily, ignoring the mutters about the smell from some of their friends. They round a corner, and Mitch throws his arms out in celebration as they stand before the entrance to the lair.

"TADA!" He grins. "Welcome to mi casa!"

Nixie's mouth falls open. "Dude...you should've brought me here sooner!"

"Sweet place, bro." Lukas fist bumps Asher.

"Cool..." Tiki and Elisabeth whisper in sync.

"Dean? Kids? Is that you?"

Destiny emerges from the kitchen. She's in her human form, of course, her scars still as visible as ever and her eyes a deep green in colour, no longer wolf-like.

"Mom! Hey!" Dean says, smiling. "Um, Elisabeth, this is my mom, Destiny."

"Hi." She waves shyly.

Destiny smiles, her eyes twinkling.

"Mom! This is Keith!" Venus squeals. "Keith, this is my mom!"

Keith waves too, and the other kids chorus a "hello" to her as well.

"The other moms will be back this evening. They have jobs, after all." Destiny laughs. "Tiki, just a word of advice, don't let Raphael intimidate you."

Tiki gulps and laughs nervously.

"Des? Are the kids home?" Leonardo's voice calls.

"HEY DAD!" Dean and Venus holler.

Leo comes out into the open, followed by Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo. Every one of them looks like a normal human man, right down to their casual outfits (save for Donnie, who's wearing goggles and a lab coat). Raph takes one look at Tiki and growls.

"So...you're Tiki," he says, moving towards the scared boy. "You're my little princess' friend?"

"Dad..." Copeland whines.

"Y-yes sir," Tiki squeaks.

Raph narrows his eyes, but the young boy doesn't shy away from his green-eyed glare. Raph huffs and returns to his brothers.

"Asher? Dakota? Would you like to introduce me to your friends?" Donnie asks.

They're introduced, both kids immediately wanting to see the lab. Donnie laughs, urging the two kids and the twins to follow him. Mikey high fives Nixie, completely ecstatic, while Leo has a brief conversation with Elisabeth and Keith. Destiny makes sure Raph doesn't attack Tiki for looking at Copeland "wrong".

"Dudes! This sleepover is going to be amazing!" Mitch hollers as he and Nixie race to the living room.

Kelly and Lukas follow Dakota and Asher out of the lab, babbling about how awesome their dad is and how they can't wait to meet their moms.