DISCLAIMER: I don't own TMNT or any of their characters. However, Amber is my Original Character, as I had thought she may be interesting to place in the universe somewhere. Happy reading!

Phoenix Call

Chapter 1 : Project Renaissance

"Let me just wrap this around your arm and...there. Now, can you make a fist for me?"

Hazel eyes looked away as the young woman made a fist and a needle was inserted into he arm. After the blood was drawn, a sigh of relief escaped her. She didn't care much for needles, but if Dr. O'Neil needed something for his research she would grin and bear it.

"Did it hurt, Miss Amber?"

Little April. Amber's eyes softened at the girl looking at the needle with huge blue eyes. A faint smile graced the young woman's face.

"Not that much, little one. Your daddy is very careful with sharp needles. Are you going to be very careful also? I don't want you to hurt yourself."

April puffed up. "I have the best Daddy in the world, and I'm going to be just like him when I grow up!"

Amber's smile grew bigger, and Dr. O'Neil laughed. "Perhaps it's time to tend to Splinter, April. Can you check and see if he has enough food and water while I get the supplies to clean his cage?"

April bounced on her heels and went to check on the rat, leaving the two adults with peace for a moment. Amber cast Dr. O'Neil a calculating look.

"Why did you need a genetic sample anyway?"

"The cure we're working on is intended for humans, so we need to make sure it bonds correctly to a human genome. It might take a few tries though, this type of research is a little hit-and-miss."

Amber mulled this over. "Perhaps inserting genetic code directly into whatever medium you decide to use would assist the bonding process?"

Dr. O'Neil flashed a smile. "All those brains, and you choose to be April's babysitter instead of my lab assistant."

Amber grinned. "Kids are where the future is. Speaking of, I should go help her clean Splinters cage now, if there's nothing else?"

The doctor shook his head. "No, I've drawn enough of your blood for my research, thank you. Be sure to eat something before you leave the lab. Can't have you passing out from low blood sugar and scaring April to death."

Amber nodded, then made her way into the larger area of the lab. April was holding Splinter, waiting for Amber to change the shavings in his cage. With practiced ease, Amber quickly changed to pan and April promptly returned the rat to his cage. Then April giggled.

"Do you think he'll eat a bit of our pizza?"

"I'm sure he will, but give him a small piece of crust. Cheese isn't good for rats."

April pinched off a bit of crust and poked it through to Splinter. Then it was time to go.

"April, don't forget your coat honey!"

"Yes, Miss Amber. Bye Daddy, see you when you get home."

"Bye Dr. O'Neil. I'll text you an update at the usual time."

"Ok, bye girls. April, be good. And Amber, thank you again for your input."

OoO

"Amber, on the way to the lab today, could you stop at the pet store and buy some turtles for the lab? Four should do, I think."

"Of course. I think April will enjoy the side trip. Just be prepared for your daughter to beg you for half the shop when we arrive."

Dr. O' Neil laughed as he hung the reciever up. He couldn't wait to tell the girl how her theory had given rise to the mutagen that was nearing completion. Maybe she would consider becoming an assistant part time after hearing how ground-breaking this research really was. After Sacks left, though. The curly haired young woman had a distinct distaste for his collegue, although she never could pin down why.

A little while later, April came hurtling into the lab.

"Whoa whoa whoa, April, calm down! I take it you enjoyed your trip to the pet store?"

April nodded and bounced as a familiar mess of golden brown hair and calm, even footsteps signaled the arrival of the other female. Carefully, Amber set the container down.

"I assumed baby turtles would be best for genetic research. Has Dr. Sacks already left for the day?"

Dr. O'Neil smiled. "Yes he has. He had another project across the city to take care of. April, why don't you see that the turtles are comfortable? There are four containers for them already set up in the main lab."

April squealed and ran off, leaving the adults smiling and shaking their heads. Then Dr. O'Neil cleared his throat.

"Miss Amber, your insight a few weeks ago has let us accelerate Project Renaissance at a startling rate. We're working on a prototype serum that will be able to cure all kinds of illness. Are you sure you want to pass up the chance to be a part of my lab team?"

Amber sighed, closing her hazel eyes for a moment. "My gut tells me I can't trust Dr. Sacks. I'm sorry, but I wouldn't be able to do my best work if I'm constantly feeling uncomfortable."

Dr. O'Neil nodded, a bit saddened by her refusal - again. But he could also understand her logic.

"Well, let's see about these turtles you brought us."

OoO

"We've been injecting the test subjects for weeks now, with no adverse effects to speak of. However, I suspect the genetic bonding may be slowed due to the difference in species."

Amber sipped her coffee while April lay asleep across her chest. Dr. O'Neil had come home late, and was excited about the progress the lab was making. Even though Amber wasn't technically one of his lab assistants, he always found her keen intellect helpful. She was probably the most observant 19 year old he had ever met.

"It's human genetic code. Are you sure it won't mutant the subjects in any way?"

Dr. O'Neil shook his head thoughtfully. "I would assume we would have seen something by now."

Hazel eyes sharpened. "But if it's slowed, then it may take more time to mutate. It's a variable that calls for close observation."

Dr O'Neil nodded thoughtfully, his mind in overdrive. "Perhaps I will stay a little later at the lab tomorrow, run some tests. Will you bring April by for goodnights if I'm not home by 9?"

Amber nodded, then passed the sleeping girl to her father before quietly slipping out the back and down the street a few blocks to her apartment. She had no idea what tomorrow had in store for her.

OoO

Smoke. Fire. Chaos. Someone had set the lab on fire while April and Amber were on their way up to see Dr. O'Neil. April had dashed off in the chaos, leaving a frantic Amber behind. It passed in a blur. Amber eventually found April safe, across the street from the building. She scooped her up and ran back to her apartment. They stayed at Amber's place crying that night, and that's where April's uncle found them the next morning passed out and clinging to each other.