Legacy Mutation (Book Eight)

Chapter 62: One Year Later

"I present to you, this year's graduates!"

Everyone claps and cheers as the Hamatos and their class stands up, chucking their hats into the air and cheering. High school is done, and their lives can move on to broader horizons now.

Dean hugs Elisabeth tightly, something she gratefully returns. Copeland pecks Tiki's lips gently as she laughs and resists the urge to flip off the school and everyone around. Dakota and Asher hug each other and Lukas, laughing and ruffling each other's hair. Mitch and Nixie hug each other and bounce around in place with glee. Venus and Blake clap and whoop from the audience.

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Destiny and Leonardo head up to the surface with Dean, Venus tagging along behind them. They wheeze a little from the weight of his bags.

"I can't believe it," Destiny whispers for the hundredth time. "My baby boy...off to college."

"Mom..." Dean laughs, his fangs showing through his smile.

Leo smiles as they finally get the last bag up into the alleyway, right next to Dean's borrowed car. The wolf-raven looks at it, then at his parents and little sister.

"I'm going to college," he whispers.

Destiny makes a small choking sound and embraces him, tears running down her face. Dean returns the hug, kissing his mom's forehead lovingly.

"Hey, I got a scholarship...might as well use it, right?" he whispers.

"Just...don't just stop writing suddenly," Destiny demands, giving Leo a pointed look.

The blue-masked turtle smirks, pecking his wife's cheek before hugging Dean. Dean's tail wags, enjoying his father's strong hold. Venus bounces up and leaps into her brother's arms, hugging his neck.

"I want pictures, and you better not forget about Elisabeth. I've already planned your wedding," she pouts.

Dean blushes, his fangs glinting. "Well...that's very sweet, but you know she isn't my girlfriend."

"She should be."

He sets her down, ruffling her curls. "I'm gonna miss you, goofball."

She laughs and swats at his hands. The wolf-raven looks to his parents, his face growing sad. So many memories are here, so many good and bad times that he doesn't want to leave behind. He isn't leaving forever, but it's going to be a while being away from home.

"Hey...at least you've got Copeland and Elisabeth right near you," Leo points out, as if noticing his son's worry. "Even though one's doing nursing and the other is doing arts."

"Same general area." Destiny shrugs

"I am really lucky," Dean agrees, smiling. "Mom, dad...thanks for sticking with me."

Destiny smiles. "Always, Dean. We always will."

He rubs his chest absentmindedly, thinking of the gashes lining them. His parents sticking with him through that was definitely the hardest part of his life so far, and he can't repay them enough.

He hugs each of his family members once more, moving to his car. He climbs in, making sure there's room in the shotgun seat for Elisabeth when he picks her up. He starts the engine, waving to his family once more.

"I love you," he calls.

"Love you too, Dean," they return.

He pulls away, driving off down the road. Destiny leans against Leo as he rubs her arm gently, pressing his lips to the side of her head.

Venus sighs, resting her three-fingered hands on her belt. "And then there were three."

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Asher and Dakota hug their parents tightly, both Donatello and Sarina getting tears in their eyes.

"Just call if you need more patches. We'll send them to you," Sarina reminds her tall son. "Got it?"

"Mom, I could make them myself," he reminds her.

She rolls her eyes. "Okay smart turtle, just one up me, why don't you?"

Donnie laughs as Dakota fixes her eyepatch.

"We love you, mom. We love you, dad," Dakota says for the two of them.

Donnie hugs her again, kissing her forehead. "We love you too, miracles."

They hug again, heading out of the alleyway to where their cars are parked. Lukas has shown up, hugging Dakota and pressing little kisses to spots all over her face as he mumbles about how much he's going to miss her. Asher chooses to remove himself from the private scene.

It's evening, and no one is around. Asher checks his phone and looks around anxiously. Then, he sees Ruby heading their way, checking something on her phone. His breath hitches as he looks down at his turtle self, but he forces himself to calm down.

"Asher?" Ruby calls, looking around. She frowns a little and looks at her phone. "Maybe I got the directions wrong..."

Asher moves closer, holding his t-phone tightly. He enters a quick text and sends it.

A: I need to show you something, but please don't freak out.

R: Why would I?

He bites his lip.

A: Look up.

She looks up, seeing him standing a few feet away. Her face slackens with confusion, then curiosity.

"Ash?" she calls.

He smiles weakly. "H-Hey Rubes..."

She moves closer, her eyes growing wide as she takes in his appearance. The tall stature, the shell and plastron, the violet mask and the one robotic eye.

"You're..."

"A mutant turtle...I can explain everything," he says quickly, his heart racing. "I...I was born this way. My parents are all mutants, my family is all mutants, this is who I am and..." He stops rambling, noticing her awed look. "I know...I'm a freak, but you deserve to know before I leave for college."

"You're...kind of awesome," she whispers. "It's a little freaky, but...you're more cute than scary."

His blue eye flashes in shock, making Ruby giggle. She leans up and kisses his cheek gently, making him feel as though he's going to pass out. She turns to walk away, but he reaches out and grabs her wrist.

Without another thought, Asher turns her around, leans down, and kisses her. It's short, unexpected, but it's still a kiss. He pulls away, both their faces red in the dim lighting of the street.

"S-Sorry," he apologizes.

She brushes a curl behind her ear. "I didn't mind."

He gulps and flashes a gappy smile. "Oh...hehe..."

She smiles. "Have fun at college. Keep playing the violin, okay?"

"I will."

She hugs him once more before turning and disappearing down the street. He sighs dreamily and turns around, seeing Dakota leaning against their car.

"You've got yourself a cutie, little brother," she comments with a wink. "You know, when I was your age, I was kissing Lukas, so-"

"When you were my age? We're the same age."

"I'm three minutes older. I was kissing Lukas three minutes ago." She laughs and clicks her tongue. "Come on, Ash. College awaits."

He grins, dashing to the car and getting in. Together, the twins head off for their new conquest; becoming scientists like their parents before them.

With their minds, the journey won't be too tough.