Legacy Mutation (Book Eight)

Chapter 36: Search

"The Kraang? They're back?"

Everyone stands in the living room of the lair, a varying range of emotions being shown throughout; shock, terror, disbelief, misery.

Dakota and Asher sit on either side of Donatello, gently rubbing his shell and trying to calm him down. The purple-masked turtle remains hunched over, head in his hands.

"Well, we don't know about that," Dakota says in response to Leonardo's question. "But, we do know that a Kraang ship just beamed mom up into who knows where and we have to help her!"

Raphael crosses his arms, his glare vengeful. "I've had enough of those robot happy meals..." he mutters.

Michelangelo giggles. "Happy meals.."

Annalise elbows her husband sharply. "Not the time."

"So, what's the plan?" Destiny asks, her eyes flitting to each of her family members. "You were right underneath TCRI when it happened, right? They probably took her there!"

Leo doesn't respond, his steely gaze focused on some point in the distance as he thinks it over.

"Why do the Kraang want Sarina anyways? Why now?" Taylor points out. "I'm sure they could've found someone else to perform experiments on if they need."

Donnie lets out a pained wail at the thought, making both his children shoot their aunt glares. She smiles apologetically.

"Either way, she's gone and we need a plan," Dean cuts in, crossing his arms over his chest. "I say we split up into teams, find traces, and then get Auntie Sarina back."

Leo nods once, looking to his son. "That's a good plan, especially since we've got more people who can cover more ground." He purses his lips a little as he sighs. "We'll have to hurry. The longer we wait, the longer Sarina is subject to the Kraang's plans."

Copeland bounces a little in place, unleashing her chigiriki as she grins deviously.

"I haven't used this on a Kraang yet, but I so want to," she says almost too happily.

"What are the teams?" Venus asks softly, her eyes big and curious.

Leo looks to Dean, his face dead serious. "You take your team and split the patrols. That's Copeland, Asher and Dakota, Mitch, and Venus, two teams. You decide."

Dean salutes. "Yes sir, Captain."

Leo looks to Destiny. "Des, you take Taylor and Annalise. I'll take Raph, Donnie, and Mikey."

"Aw yeah! The team's back together bros!" Mikey whoops. "This is gonna be suh-weet!"

"Ninjas, move out."

🍕🐢🍕🐢🍕🐢🍕🐢🍕

"Copeland, you lead team two. Take Venus and Asher," Dean orders as the gang of teens makes it to the surface.

Copeland grins and nods. "Gladly."

"I'll take Dakota and Mitch. If anything happens, phone. We'll come."

Venus readies her hamadashi blade, looking slightly nervous through her excitement. The young turtle isn't nearly as skilled as her siblings, but she's still willing to try. Still, a sense of unease settles over Dean as he looks to his younger sister.

"Ve, maybe you should go back and wait with grandpa," he offers.

Her excitement falls into confusion instantly. "What? Why?"

The other four teens glance at each other fleetingly before looking back at the siblings. Dean crosses his arms and tries to look stern.

"We already had a Kraang attack tonight. I don't want you getting hurt, especially since you're not as skilled as the rest of us," he says, his voice even.