Legacy Mutation (Book Eight)

Chapter 30: Backstory of a Dog

"So...you're a shape-shifting mutant?" Mitch asks as the Hamatos walk to school.

"Yeah...it's kind of a long story," Tiki answers.

"We've got time! Spill it!" Copeland urges.

Everyone else nods excitedly.

"Well...I was around seven years old. My mom and I were walking home with our dog, Creme. These weird guys that all looked the same told us to halt and pointed guns at us. They called themselves the Kraang. We were captured and taken to this broken down warehouse near the docks, where we were mutated by this weird stuff they called mutagen. Creme and I actually sort of morphed together, which is why I think I can shape-shift. My mom..." He purses his lips. "She's kind of a humanoid dog. She walks upright, but is covered in fur and has a long dog muzzle and stuff."

"Seriously? That's so cool!" Asher whispers.

Tiki shrugs. "Well, we got away when a bunch of the Kraang guys started screaming about an attack. My mom and I were at the back, away from whatever it was. There were all these explosions that gave my mom and I a chance to escape. The Kraang were screaming about someone called Subject something-or-other..." He furrows his eyebrows. "But, ever since then, we've been living in our old apartment and just trying to get by. It hasn't been too bad, actually."

Dakota and Asher look to each other, eyes wide. Warehouse? Explosions? Someone called Subject? They purse their lips.

"Small world," Asher whispers.

"Indeed," Dakota replies.

"Well, my mom and my Auntie Karai can morph too," Dean comments. "It's pretty rare."

"She told me." Tiki grins. "It's so cool that you guys are all mutants too! Have you told the others yet?"

"Nope, but we will sometime," Dakota says.

"Whenever you're ready," he agrees.

They sigh and continue on their way.

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The school day passes in a blur. Homework, classes, students, friends, drama, the whole thing.

When the Hamatos enter the lair, they're greeted with a very distressed atmosphere. Taylor sits on the couch with her head in her hands, Raphael's arm wrapped around her shoulder comfortingly. Even Annalise and Sarina are home from work early.

"What's going on?" Dakota asks.

They all look to the kids in sync, their faces troubled.

"Um...there's been a sort of...family trouble," Leonardo explains.

"The hospital called," Sarina continues gravely.

"My dad...he's really sick," Taylor whispers.

"Grandpa? That jerk we ran in to at the grocery store?" Copeland's eyes narrow.

Taylor sighs and stands up, beckoning her daughter to her side. The other kids swallow nervously and move to their parents. Copeland begrudgingly walks to her mom.

"Listen Copey, I know that your first impression of my dad wasn't great-" she starts.

"That's an understatement."

Her mother shoots her a stern glare. "We're going to go visit him; all three of us. There are some wounds that need to be healed, alright?"

Copeland's mouth falls open a little. She looks past her mom to her dad, who nods in agreement. Even so, he doesn't look pleased either.

"How are you okay with this?" the young turtle demands.

Raph sighs. "Her dad isn't going to be around for much longer. She needs to fix some problems before he...goes."

Every other Hamato casts their eyes downwards. Annalise seems to be in deep thought, no doubt thinking of her own mother.

"Please Copeland? Try to give him another chance," Taylor pleads.

She sighs heavily, crossing her arms. "Fine, but only because I love you and dad."

Taylor smiles weakly and kisses her forehead. "Thank you."

Michelangelo notices his wife's distant gaze, nudging her.

"Lisey, you ok?" he whispers.

She shakes her head. "I need to talk to my mom. I need you, Mitch, and me to make things right."

"Honey, I'm not-" he starts.

"This recent occurrence only makes me more sure of this," she interrupts. "I need to fix this problem. She only wanted the best for me, and I think she'll give you another chance if she could...actually meet you in a polite fashion."

Mitch looks to his parents, pursing his lips. "Talking about grandma?"

"Your mom wants to go and talk to her," Mikey says.

"Can you do this for me? I promise we don't have to try again if it goes south."

The two males look at each other, then to the most important woman in both their lives. They nod in sync.

"Okay."

She grins and hugs them both. "That's my boys."