Digital Mutation (Book Five)

Chapter 9: Virus

It's early when the Hamato family gathers in the living room to discuss the events of last night. Michelangelo lingers at a distance, nervous energy making him jitter in place while Sarina explains what happened to her. Leonardo seems to be deep in thought, Destiny's ears are perked, her brow furrowed, and Raphael fumes, looking like a powder keg about to blow, his teeth grinding and his arms firmly crossed over his plastron. Donatello stays by Sarina's side, hand running lightly up and down her back. He's worn the same troubled expression since last night, and Michelangelo doubts it'll go away soon. He understands his brother's worry in a deeper way than ever before.

"Michelangelo, you seem troubled," Master Splinter says, snapping Michelangelo from his thoughts.

He blows out a breath. For once, he can't get himself to speak right away. He usually rambles easily, letting out every thought that zips through him, but the weight of those same thoughts seems to pin his tongue down. Where does he start? His worry for Annalise? His concern for Sarina? How he could barely sleep because he kept reading her email over and over again?

"I'm scared," he says, finally.

"Fear is natural, especially in the face of a new enemy."

"I know, Sensei, but...what if the freaky rainbow chick hurts Annalise? She already attacked Sarina and we have no idea what she is or—"

"My son," Splinter interrupts, the calming weight of his gentle hand falling on Michelangelo's shoulder. "We will face this threat together. Remain calm, so that your thoughts may become clear."

Michelangelo remembers the stillness that enveloped him during his spirit quest, how his awareness of the world sharpened, and tries to tap into that inner peace. The steady, minuscule sounds of the lair fade into the background as Michelangelo shuts his eyes and takes a long, deep breath.

"The world will fall."

Michelangelo shudders, the peace popping like a bubble above his head, all those stupid, anxious thoughts racing back like water released from a dam. Leonardo strokes his chin, brow furrowed as he repeats the threatening message half to himself, unaware of his brother's reaction.

"Whatever this thing is, she's hostile," Leonardo says.

Donatello nods. "We can assume that much. The question is, how do we find out more about her?" he asks. "We aren't even sure what she is."

"I have my theories," Sarina says. "So far, I suspect she may be either an advanced AI, a sentient virus, or a mutant with the ability to travel through electronics."

"Whatever she is, I'm gonna pound her face in," Raphael growls, fist meeting palm.

"Right, Raph, because you can just punch incorporeal beings," Destiny retorts with an eye roll.

Raphael lifts his fist, unclenching and clenching it a few times. "I can try."

"We will not be punching anything until we find out more about our enemy," Sarina states. "Which brings me to the other half of our problem." She gestures to Michelangelo. "It seems our help has been requested."

Michelangelo blinks as his brothers and Destiny turn their attention to him, their expressions falling on a range between confusion and curiosity. He swallows as he pulls out his t-phone, pulling up the email he received yesterday.

"Annalise needs us," he says. "She says she needs help, but she can't talk about it online. I bet it's because of the rainbow lady."

"Like the Annalise?" Destiny asks, eyebrows lifting in genuine surprise.

"I know, I didn't believe it until I saw the email," Donatello says, shaking his head.

Michelangelo nods, handing his phone to Leonardo. He bounces back and forth on his feet while Leonardo reads the email, expression softening, then hardening again.