Chapter 4

At Don's words, I felt through my carapace Raph's body tense. He had been surprisingly calm throughout this entire ordeal, but I knew he was struggling. His outbreak moments ago only confirmed the magnitude of internal conflict waging inside him. I was thankful I had been able to bring him back. Lately, I had found it impossible to reach him when his anger erupted. The bond we forged this morning was far stronger than I anticipated. Even now, I could feel him drawing strength from me and vice versa. I leaned ever so slightly against his hand to remind him that we were still in this together.

He did not move his hand and I took that as a good sign. For Raph, actions always spoke louder than words, but that also meant one wrong move could easily spell disaster. I had to plan my actions carefully lest he explode again.

Mikey was the first to break the silence, "Uh Donnie… What do you mean Raph's not done mutating? Like how can he get more mutant than that?" he added as an afterthought, "No offense Raph."

Everyone's attention returned to Don, "He's not done mutating because his already twice-mutated cells are still chalk full of vacuoles containing the live mutagen agent. The reason he's not still mutating before our eyes is because the cells have entered a kind of genetic stasis. In normal cells mitosis is a critical way in which new daughter cells are created to allow for proper growth and function of the organism. Commonly, when the conditions for cell division are not optimal the cell will enter a resting phase and wait for a better time to re-enter the mitotic cycle. My best guess is that for some reason these cells are performing a similar action. However, eventually the cells will divide again and when they do, those vacuoles will break open and the whole mass mutation process will undoubtedly reoccur."

Casey then spoke up, "Look I'm no science wiz Donnie, but uh if all that mutagen stuff is contained in these vacuole thingys can't you just take them out?"

Don shook his head, "I wish it were that simple Casey, but in order to do that I would have to remove the agent from every cell in Raph's body. That includes trillions upon trillions of cells. I spoke of the vacuoles because that's where the majority of the stuff is located, but there is also uncontained agent floating around in his blood. The only reason it hasn't gotten into cells is because the concentration gradient is working against it now that all the cells are full." Don must have seen our blank looks, "Sigh, basically cells that are full of mutagen have no room for more mutagen so the only place the mutagen can go is to stay where it is in the blood stream." He was met by communal nodding, "The only positive is that by some miracle, Raph's blood-brain barrier is somehow strong enough to keep the agent out since the cerebrospinal fluid I examined from the spinal tap was clean. At least from the atlanto-axial joint up anyway; since Raph appears more or less the same neurologically."

April had her game face on, "Donnie, I know we can't get the mutation agent out, but do you think we could develop a compound that would neutralize the remaining mutagen so we can prevent another mass mutation? I know it won't turn you back to normal right away Raphael, but at least if we're successful in this we can stop it from getting potentially worse."

Don nodded, "I think that's our best bet April. I did manage to extract small amounts of the live agent from the samples I collected from Raph. We can start by studying that and gain some understanding of its structure. We will probably need more samples though in order to make any real progress."

The two of them were standing up and already heading in the direction of Don's lab and I lightly elbowed Raph to get him out of his shock and say something before they were gone. "Wait." April and Don turned back to face Raphael, "Before you two go all geek on me I think I'm entitled to some answers! It sounds like Leo already knows the gist of everything an' I'm sure soon April will too. Casey and Mikey probably don't care about the technical aspects that much," Mikey and Casey both nodded and shrugged in agreement, "But this is MY BODY you're messing with and I getta decide what happens next!"

Don and April both looked ashamed. Don walked over to Raph, "I'm sorry Raph. I didn't mean to get carried away. You're right. Any course we take from this point on needs your approval first."

April nodded behind Donnie in agreement, "What else did you want to ask Raphael?"

"This might sound stupid to you, but I need to know. If this second mass mutation thing occurs… Um like what's going to happen to me? I mean will I still be a turtle? Or um am I going to get much taller cuz it's already pretty cramped in here…"

Don's purple mask crinkled as he frowned up at Raph, "Honestly Raph that's part of the problem: I really have no idea. I would have to study the nature of your cellular mutation in far more detail than time permits to attempt to get you an answer. But the clock is ticking. Every second that passes brings you closer to another mutation."

"So basically we don't know what's gonna happen or even how long it's gonna take to happen? But whatever happens it's probably not gonna be good."

Don nodded solemnly, "Basically."

Raph was quiet a moment and then spoke in his usual I-could-care-less voice, "Well whatever brainaic don' let me keep ya."

Don and April looked at Raph in silence for a moment. Clearly dismissed they resumed their path to the lab. As they reached the lab entrance Raph called over, "An' by the way Don, if you ever drug me again, me mutating will be the LEAST of your worries."

Don waved, "Got it bro!"

Raph's voice carried all his usual swagger, but I knew he was scared. His hand had shook with nerves throughout the entire conversation.