Legacy Mutation (Book Eight)

Chapter 55: Brace Yourself

Dean sits in a wheelchair inside the laboratory, Donatello and Sarina bustling around as they work. Raphael and Michelangelo stand nearby, wanting to wait in case Dean needs help getting out.

"Where's Leo and Des?" Donnie asks as he readies his cast saw.

"They're out on a 'forgiveness date'," Raph answers, a small smirk on his lips. "You know how they've been for the last two or three months. They need some time alone."

"I'm glad they can be in the same room without yelling at one another," Sarina admits.

"Me and you both, sister," Mikey says, winking and clicking his tongue a little.

Dean looks down, feeling restless. Donnie comes closer, kneeling down and resting the saw on the floor for a moment. He looks up at the wolf-raven with a kind smile.

"Usually, there's an X-ray involved before the casts are taken off, but considering most bones heal within six weeks, I know that you're good to go," he explains, gently examining his legs. "Just...take it easy with the walking, okay?"

Dean nods, his face still straight and emotionless. "What about my wings?"

The inventor looks to said appendages, pursing his lips. "We'll...cross that bridge when we get to it."

The teen nods curtly, although he knows his uncle is hiding something from him. He leans back, wincing as he shuts his eyes. Donnie gets to work cutting the casts off, the steady buzzing filling the lab. Dean looks to Sarina, who uses her new arm with an almost ease. It still moves slower than her other arm.

"How's that working for you, Auntie Sarina?" he calls.

She turns around, one pale eyebrow raised questioningly as her eyes flash. She notices his sapphire eyes flickering to her arm, to which she smiles lightly through a sigh.

"Well...it's better than only having one," she comments, shaking the metallic attachment. "It's slower, doesn't react as quickly, but I'll work with it."

"You're lucky you had Lukas and Donnie to help you out," Mikey adds. "Lukas has a real gift with tech."

"He does." She smiles lightly.

"There! Done!" Donnie announces, pulling the casts off of Dean's legs. "Want to try standing?"

"Yeah, I will," he answers, an air of determination settling over his face.

He pushes himself out of the chair, his limbs trembling with the effort. Still, he doesn't slow down and tentatively places his feet on the ground. Feeling hopeful, he lurches forwards and attempts to remain standing.

That attempt is met with his legs crumpling, and he nearly falls over again before Donnie catches him.

"SEWER APPLES!" Dean cusses, resisting the urge to punch the closest thing to his fist, which is Donnie.

His uncle puts him back in the chair, a sympathetic smile crossing his face as the wolf-raven buries his face in his hands. The four adults cast each other worried gazes.

"Perhaps...staying in the wheelchair will be best," Sarina murmurs.

"No!" Dean snaps, instantly defensive. "I want to walk. My wings are still healing, so it'll be a while before I fly. Find some way for me to walk, damn it!"

His arms shake as his biceps tense, a growl rising in his throat. His body trembles, as if preparing to transform. Donnie instantly moves forwards and gently grabs his nephew's shoulder.

"Dean, relax," he orders. "I think your wolf is triggered by extreme anger or a heightened heart rate. You shouldn't risk morphing right now."

Dean clenches his fists, but doesn't morph. The other three adults let out breaths of relief.