Retromutagen Fallout

Lost and Found

It had been two months since the explosion at the Krang facility. Two months of searching every back alley, every hidden spot in the city, and even venturing into the forests of Pennsylvania. Mikey was very exhausted in every type of way. Being human was still something he hadn't fully adjusted to. He felt weaker, more vulnerable, and the fact that he was now blind in one eye from Shredder's last attack didn't help.

He ran his fingers through his now-blonde hair, glancing at his reflection in the cracked mirror they kept in the van. His once-familiar green face was gone, replaced by pale skin, bright blue eyes; well, one bright blue eye, and a bandage over the other. He had gotten used to it, but every now and then, it still felt like looking at a stranger.

"Ready to head out, bro?" Casey's voice broke his thoughts. Mikey nodded and grabbed his jacket. Shinigami was already waiting outside, scanning the treeline like she always did before they moved out.

"We'll find them today, Mikey," Shinigami said softly as they climbed into the van. She always tried to keep him hopeful, but they both knew it wasn't guaranteed.

Mikey shifted in his seat, feeling the familiar tug of his wolf ears and tail wanting to make an appearance. He had been able to switch between his normal human form and the one that reflected his part-wolf nature, but it still felt strange. His boyfriend had helped him adjust to it, reminding him that even though he wasn't a turtle anymore, he was still Mikey, no matter what form he took.

They drove through the dense woods, the city long behind them. After hours of searching, the van finally slowed to a stop on the edge of a thick forest. Philadelphia was far in the distance, but this place felt different. Mikey's gut told him they were close.

"Let's split up," Casey said, grabbing his gear. "We'll cover more ground."

Mikey nodded, pulling up his hood to hide his wolf ears. He didn't need to freak out any more people than necessary. With a final glance at his friends, he turned and headed deeper into the trees.

The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves underfoot. Mikey's senses were heightened, his wolf instincts guiding him as he walked. He was used to listening for danger now, always aware of his surroundings. Then, after what felt like hours of trekking through the dense woods, he saw them.

Raph and Master Splinter.

They were huddled by a small clearing, their backs turned to him. Mikey's heart raced as he stepped forward, his throat tightening. But before he could speak, Raph turned, his eyes blazing with distrust. He raised his sai, ready to strike.

"Raph, wait!" Mikey held up his hands, stepping back. "It's me! I'm not here to fight."

Raph didn't lower his weapon. "Who are you? And how do you know my name?"

Mikey felt a pang of guilt. Of course Raph didn't recognize him. Why would he? He didn't look anything like the fun-loving turtle they grew up with.

"I know this is crazy, but it's me bro... Mikey. Your brother." His voice wavered, but he stood his ground, looking Raph dead in the eye—the good one, anyway.

Raph's grip tightened on his sai, his eyes scanning Mikey from head to toe. "Mikey's dead," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I don't know who you are, but you better back off."

Mikey took a deep breath, feeling his wolf ears twitch under the hood. "I'm not dead. I've changed... I'm human now. It's a long story. But I swear, it's me."

Raph's glare didn't soften, and for a moment, Mikey thought he was going to get stabbed. Then, out of nowhere, Master Splinter spoke.

"Raphael, lower your weapon," Master Splinter said quietly. His old, wise eyes studied Mikey carefully. "He speaks the truth."

Raph hesitated, his eyes darting between Mikey and Master Splinter. Finally, he lowered his sai, though the confusion was still clear on his face.

"Mikey? Is it really you?" Raph's voice cracked, and for a moment, the tough exterior he always wore faded.

Mikey smiled, relief washing over him. "Yeah, bro. It's me. And we've been looking for you guys everywhere. We need to stick together if we're gonna take down Shredder for good."

Raph stepped forward, finally letting his guard down. He pulled Mikey into a rough hug, thumping him on the back. "Man, you look... different," he muttered. "But it's good to see you."

Mikey grinned, pulling back and turning to Master Splinter. "I thought I'd lost you guys," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm not giving up on family. Never."

Master Splinter stepped forward, placing a hand on Mikey's shoulder. "You have been through much, my son," he said softly. "But you are still Michelangelo, no matter what form you take. We are proud of you."

Mikey felt a lump in his throat as he nodded, trying not to tear up. "Thanks, Sensei."

After a moment, they regrouped with Casey and Shinigami, who were beyond thrilled to see Raph and Master Splinter safe. Together, they made their way back to the van. Mikey kept glancing at Raph, who still looked like he had a million questions, but for now, they were just happy to be together.

As they headed back toward the city, Mikey's mind wandered to the rest of his family. Leo and Donnie were still out there somewhere, and Shredder was still a threat. But today, they had a win. And for the first time in two months, Mikey felt like they were on the right track.