Better Genes 4

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The Lair was quiet, quieter than it normally was. Usually the underground sewer home was filled with lively noises of activity, wether it be the sounds of training in the dojo, mechanical tools being used in the garage or Donnie's lab, techno music playing from whatever video game was being played, or even the noises of growing teenage brothers either bickering or having fun with each other.

However none of those sounds were heard in the Lair this time.

The Lair was almost dead quiet, but if you listen closely you could almost hear the activities that were happening. Like the faint sounds of keyboard keys rapidly clicking away, the sound of the tv in the living room, and even the muffled roars of an angry beast repeatedly beating its fist onto the glass of its confinement.

Yeah you heard right.

The air in the Lair was so thick with tension it was nearly unbearable for all those inside, and it was affecting everyone.

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Leo's POV

Ugh! This is so frustrating! I've been trying to do some meditating in the dojo to clear my head, to figure out what our next move should be, but no matter what I did... I just... couldn't focus.

Normally meditation came naturally to me. It helps me relax, to get whatever's bothering me off my shell, but now I can't find my center. The only time that happens is when my brothers are causing a ruckus.

I've tried everything, incense, soothing music, I've even tried soothing tea but nothing was working.

It's been hours since we brought Mikey home, after he'd mutated into a savage monster by Bishop's Outbreak, and even though he was home again with us, his family, the Lair... just didn't feel the same. Without Mikey's upbeat personality, the Lair felt... empty, cold, and dark.

The tension in the air was so thick it was suffocating. That's why I was in the Dojo, to help me figure out a plan to help Mikey.

Mikey woke up about an hour after we brought him back home and needless to say he was not happy. No that's putting it mildly, he was pissed off. Realizing that he was trapped inside the Bio-Chamber he began punching and scratching at the glass of the Unit like a wild animal, hoping to break free. Thankfully though the Unit still held strong.

Boy Donnie and Leatherhead have really outdone themselves. Don't tell Donnie I said this but it really amazes me, and sometimes scares me, the things that he can come up with with that big brain of his.

Speaking of Donnie, he and Leatherhead are in his lab working nonstop to find a cure. They both have been studying the Outbreak virus since it began but they were no where close to finding a cure.

Last I saw Raph, he was on the couch in front of the TVs flipping through channels. He would flip to one channel then flip to the next after five seconds. That's not like him because normally he'd be venting out his anger and frustrations on his 'repaired' punching bag like he always does. But ever since we got back he's been unusually quiet, barely speaking a word to anyone.

April and Casey came by to help in anyway that they could, April had offered her assistance to help Donnie and Leatherhead in finding a cure while Casey offered to help in any way. I asked him if he would check on Raph for me.

I'm very thankful to them both.

Master Splinter was trying to reach Mikey's spirit through meditation.

I know that Mikey's still in there, somewhere inside that... that monster. I felt it when we first found him after he mutated. Casey and Raph also confirmed it when they fought him in the tunnels. Don and I heard the confrontation between them and Mikey. Raph said that he got through to Mikey for a short while before the beast took over again.

I let out a frustrated sigh before deciding to give up on meditating. I never thought I'd say it but there really was no point in trying right now, not when all I can think about is how badly I failed my youngest brother.

Even from behind the closed doors of the dojo, I can still hear the muffled roars and thuds coming from the living room. It just made my heart ache even more.

I got up from the floor to head to the kitchen. When I opened the door I was hoping that I would find Mikey in the living room playing one of his video games or reading one of his comic books while twirling his nunchucks, or playing with Klunk, or even running away from Raph while laughing because of a prank or in the kitchen making coffee for Donnie or making a meal for us, but I don't see any sign of my youngest brother. I don't hear his cheering voice, I don't hear his laughter, and I don't see his smiling face as I entered the kitchen.

Mikey, my youngest brother, the heart and light of our team and family was gone, in his place was a vicious savage monster.

My minds keeps replaying that night the Outbreak started. If I hadn't lead my brothers down that tunnel when we ran from those tick monsters, if I had been more vigilant, Mikey wouldn't have gotten cut by that damn mutant roach and we wouldn't be in this mess. I also remember the look of pain on his face, emotional not physical pain, before he ran away from us. Before he lost control of himself.

I could feel hot tears going down my cheeks. It only added to the weight of my failure while also increasing the ache in my chest. The pain hurt so much.

I pulled up a chair before I collapsed, when I sat down I couldn't hold back anymore, I just broke down. The last time I cried was when Master Splinter disappeared after one of our battles with the Shredder. That was hell for all of us.

I was trying to be strong for my brothers but the building pressure became too much for me. So I went to the dojo, my sanctuary, to work off my stress by practicing my katas, but it wasn't working. Nothing I did worked.

After some time Mikey came in asking if I was okay, I, being the stubborn turtle that I am, told him that I was fine but somehow he knew that I wasn't. He came in, sat next to me and somehow got me to open up and tell him how I was really feeling.

I still don't know how he does it. Master Splinter told me that Mikey was always able to sense when someone was emotionally distressed without having to say anything. I hate to admit it but I've always been jealous that Mikey can do that.

For a second I thought that he was gonna make fun of me for sounding... weak, but he didn't because Mikey's not like that. Yeah he likes to poke fun at us from time to time but not in a cruel way, unlike some people. Instead he put his arms around me, told me that he missed father too and that it's okay to let go and cry if I needed to, and I did. We both did.

A little bit later Donnie came in, looking just as miserable as we did and asked if he could join us. Just like with me Mikey was able to get Donnie to open up and let go. Then Raph came in, looked at us and asked if there was room for one more.

We all sat in a turtle pile, we hugged, we talked and we cried. Even Raph. It had years since we made a turtle pile.

Even when we're at our darkest moments, when we're at our lowest, somehow Mikey always manages to lift our spirits, to keep going and to not give up. To remind us that we're a family. But now this family was falling apart.

"Oh Mikey... why... why did it have to be you?"

"Meeoow."

I was so deep in my own thoughts that I didn't notice Klunk sitting next to me on the table. Somehow she'd managed to sneak up on me without my notice.

"Hey Klunk." I sniffed before wiping my eyes.

Mikey often called her a 'Ninja Cat' for obvious reasons. Sometimes when I'm practicing my katas or meditating, Klunk always manages to find her way in the dojo.

Klunk meowed at me again before brushing her head against my cheek. I couldn't help but smile, I scrufted her under her neck, she purred loudly as she nudged my hand. Then she brushed her head against my plastron, it's like she could sense my angst and now she was trying to comfort me.

Heh heh, she's definitely Mikey's cat.

I'll never forget that night on Christmas Eve when Mikey came home from being gone all day with the little tabby kitten in his arms, announcing her as the newest member of the family.

When he told us what he'd been doing the whole time he was out, I went from angry, to horrified, to relieved, to feeling guilt in a matter of minutes. I mean can you blame me, he took on a small group of Purple Dragons, who had guns, by himself without calling us for backup. I expect that from Raph, not from Mikey, but when he explained that he did it to stop them from stealing a truck full of Christmas toys that was being delivered to a children's home. That's where my guilt set in.

While he was stopping Purple Dragons from ruining Christmas for little boys and girls, I was home having fun with my family and friends instead of looking for him like my gut was telling me. He definitely had an angel looking after him. I know that he did the right thing, I also know that I would've done the same thing if I were in his place. So I forgave Mikey for that, but I told him to never ever do that again.

I asked him how he found Klunk and he told me that she actually found him in the park. He intended to find her a home but ended up keeping her instead. He always loved animals, especially cats.

"Meeeww, meeww."

I looked down at Klunk, she looked sad. She was missing Mikey, we all were. I gently picked up the little kitten and held her in my arms.

"We'll get him back." I told her.

Klunk just stared up at me, her golden eyes asking me 'How?' I didn't have an answer because to be perfectly honest, I had no idea. But as I said we will find a cure, no matter what it takes.

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Splinter's POV

Someone once said 'They say you don't know what you have until it's gone. Truth is, you knew what you had, you just thought you'd never lose it.'

Those words have more meaning behind them now then they ever did before.

Since that fateful day over 16 years ago after the death of my beloved Master Yoshi, I was given an unexpected gift that changed my life forever. I became a father to four infant turtles after an accident had changed us all and raised them as my own sons.

They gave me a reason to live, ever since my Master Yoshi was taken from me by the Shredder. I have cared for them, protected them, taught them the ways of Ninjutsu that I learned from my master.

As time passed I've watched them learn and grow into their own individual selves while keeping with their training. My sons have all grown into proud ninja warriors.

We've gone through great struggles in the past, some greater then others. Yet we've managed to overcome them all. But now I fear that we are facing a challenge that could very well destroy our family.

Michelangelo, my youngest son, my sunshine child, my baby boy, is very ill. He was injured by one of Bishop's monsters and now he's become one of them himself.

When my sons returned from their patrol with an unconscious creature inside Donatello's Bio Chamber, I was shocked to see only three of my sons standing before me but nothing could prepare me for what came next. When I asked where was Michelangelo, they told me that the creature inside was Michelangelo. I didn't believe it but then Leonardo presented me with Michelangelo's ninja mask and explained what happened, my heart shattered.

It was the same pain that I felt when my Master Yoshi was taken from me.

'Not my son. Please not my Michelangelo...'

Looking around I can see that this horrible outcome has gravely affected my family. Without Michelangelo light hearted spirit around to lift our spirits and keep our hope alive as he was known to do, we were all suffering. In similar but also different ways.

I gazed up at my poor son, the eyes that stared back at me were not the same gentle blue eyes that always held signs of life, love, and a bit of mischief instead the eyes were red and filled with primal rage.

I can feel Michelangelo's presence within this creature he has become, it's faint but it's there. I have been trying to reach Michelangelo's spirit through meditation but for some reason I can not reach him. It was as if something was blocking me from reaching him.

"My son... my... baby boy..."

(Flashback, 16 Years Ago a few days shortly after the incident...

Splinter smiled fondly at his sons, they were bundled up under an old worn blanket that he'd found earlier that day, sleeping peacefully. Well except for one. The youngest turtle, who he'd named Michelangelo, was currently in his arms as the large rat gently hummed a soft lullaby to the little one.

Splinter had woken up from a horrible nightmare, one that showed that horrible night when his beloved Master Yoshi was attacked before being slain by the Shredder.

While he was gathering his thoughts one of the turtle tots had woken up and went to the giant rat with a look of sadness on his face. Thinking that he'd woken the little one, Splinter took the turtle child into his arms. He was surprised when the little one clung to his furry chest and murmured, 'No be sad,' in a small childs voice.

The mutant rat didn't know what to think at this moment, somehow the little turtle knew that he was in pain and now he was comforting him. He wrapped his arms around the little turtle, one hand stroking the tots head gently.

The little one's bright blue eyes gazed up at Splinter as he reached for his face, his tiny hands gently patting the rats cheek.

"Heh heh, thank you little one?" Splinter said smiling fondly while gently taking one of the little turtles tiny hand into his own which made the little one smile brightly.

"Papa."

Splinter let out a gasp. Did the little one just call him 'papa'? Yes he and the other little tots had spoken earlier, they've all said his name and some small words but that was it. But this... little turtle had called him... papa...

"Papa."

Looking down at the little turtle tot in his arms, Splinter felt a wave of warmth in his heart. It was the same feeling he'd felt when Tang Shen showed him kindness after she saved him from Mashimi, then she and Yoshi gave him a home and they became a family.

He glanced at the sleeping turtle pile beside him. The warmth in his heart grew stronger as his eyes went from each slumbering tot.

"Papa?" The child repeated, wondering if he'd done something wrong.

Splinter smiled warmly at the little turtle, "Yes my little one, I am your Papa now, and you and your brothers are now my sons." He whispered hugging the little sea green turtle, who cooed in delight while reaching up to hug the giant rat the best he could before falling asleep in his new Papa's arms.)

Michelangelo was the first to call me Papa but soon the rest of my sons started calling me Papa or Father.

Since then Michelangelo made it his mission to keep his brothers and myself happy. Unlike his brothers, Michelangelo was never afraid to express his feelings and he was always there to help when something was wrong with me or his brothers, wether they were angry, sad, or just needed someone to talk to.

As they grew older he started using jokes and pranks. At first I didn't approve of it but I must admit that Michelangelo's use of stealth, ingenuity, and craftsmanship was very impressive. It certainly made life more entertaining.

I only wish that he would apply that same effort he puts into his pranks into his training. But lately these past few months he's been avoiding me. Ever since our last visit to the Battle Nexus, Michelangelo has become more withdrawn from me, he hardly speaks to me as much as used to.

I've asked him several times if he was alright but then he would smile and assure me that everything was fine. I didn't believe him but I also never pushed it further after that, I wanted to give him his space and let him come to me if he needed to talk. He never did and when the Outbreak started, these past few weeks weren't any better. If anything it seems to have furthered the gap between us.

I feel... that I have failed my youngest somehow.

"My son..."

I was brought out of my thoughts by a loud 'Thud', I opened my eyes to find Michelangelo growling directly at me while resuming his attempts to break free.

I really hope that Donatello and Leatherhead can find a cure soon. I don't think my heart could withstand the pain if we lose Michelangelo.

"Heaven help us."

''''''

Raph's POV

"If you sauté scallops in a non-stick pan, they won't stick! That's why it's called fucking NON-STIIICK!"

"No duh Bozo."

'Click'

"My mommy always said there were no monsters. Not real ones. But there are..."

"Lady you don't know the half of it." I muttered.

'Click'

"Heeeere's Johnny!" "Ahhhh!"

'Click'

"Workers at the Electrical Plant claim that a blown transformer was what caused the city's total blackout last night. Police speculate that vandals were behind it and are investigating the area but they haven't found anything yet. Workers speculate it to be 'just a freak accident'..."

'Click'

"Fucking News." I growled while tossing the remote to the other end of the couch. I hate watching the News, nothing but bad news.

It was already half past one and I'm still living in a nightmare. The Lair was felt empty, even though we were all here. Well most of us.

"Rrrrooarr! Grrrrr! Raaarrrr!" 'Thunk!' 'Thunk!' 'Thunk!'

I looked over to where Donnie's Bio tank stood that held the angry snarling beast that's now my baby brother. Mikey was beating his fist against the glass with everything he had. In a way, he was acting like... me. When my anger gets the best of me and I just start wrecking everything in sight.

Mikey shouldn't be acting like this, it ain't in his character. Sure Mikey was loud and obnixious but he always had a smile on his face when he does it. Always laughing, making jokes, always lookin' on the bright side of everything, always wanting to help people in need. I can count with both hands the number of times Mikey's been angry, which ain't a lot.

Hey, I've only got three fingers on each hand.

Me and Mikey have always had uh... a love-hate relationship. We love to give each other a hard time, we're always teasing and poking fun at each other but that's normal, all siblings fight with each other, but we love each other none the less. I admit that there were times that Mikey just gets under my skin to the point where I wanna clobber him, yet I'd do anything to keep him safe. Same with Leo and Donnie.

But there was one moment where I let my temper get the better of me and I nearly bashed his head in with a lead pipe. All because he beat me while we were sparring.

I couldn't believe what I was doing, what I nearly did. If Leo hadn't stopped me then I would've... 'No!' I shook my head to get the memory out of my head. Even after I went berserk on him, Mikey still forgave me. While I'm relieved that he did, I still can't get the look of terror on Mikey's face outta my head, or the fear in his voice when pleaded for me to stop.

Let's just say that I have a better understanding of that fear now. I felt it in the sewers when me and Casey were fighting Mikey. I also understood what Mikey puts himself through when he plays the distraction and bait on our missions.

"Oh please Mikey, all ya do is make some noise, say somethin' stupid then run and tha bad guys chase ya. Any moron can do that."

Man, talk about your words coming back to haunt ya.

I... we never really thought twice about it, he's just so good at grabbing people's attention that it was easy to forget that he's also putting his life on the line.

If anyone's the moron... it's me.

"I'm sorry Mikey." Then he turned to me, like he knew I was watching him, and growled.

It was the same look that he gave me back in the tunnels, the look of pure primal rage. A look that I've made over a hundred times no doubt.

"Yo Raph."

I jumped then turned to see Casey standing next to me.

"Whoa whoa, easy Raph it's just me."

I took a few breaths before relaxing, "Sorry Case."

"Hey, you okay?" I glared at Casey. Did he seriously just ask me that? He held up his hands in defense, "I know, I know, dumb question, but seriously though, are you okay? You look like you were zoning out there."

I wanted to say that I'm fine. I wanted to get up and not deal with this feeling that I felt, I wanted to... hit something. I wanted wake up from this awful nightmare, but I can't.

"No, I'm not okay and thanks to that bastard Bishop, none of us are okay. Ever since this fucking Outbreak happened thing's have gotten worse and worse, but now it's turned into a big clusterfuck. Mikey's been infected and now he's been turned into a monster, Donnie's work'n himself to the bone to find a cure, Leo's in the dojo, and I'm sitting here on my ass!" I ranted unable to stop myself, "I hate feeling like this, I hate not being able to do anything, I hate feeling... useless."

"I'm hear ya bro I really do, I hate it too. But you ain't useless Raph, none of ya are. You're the toughest guy I know." He said with a grin, "Believe me I know a lot of guys who say they're tough but they ain't got nothin' on you."

I do pride myself in being the toughest and the strongest of my bros but Casey's praises ain't doing anything for me, not even a spark, "Then why do I feel nothing inside?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I should be angry. I wanna be angry because of what Bishop's Outbreak has done to us, what it's done to Mikey. I should be beat'n the stuff'n outta my punching bag, I should be punching walls till my knuckles bleed, I should be yell'n at the top of my lungs. If that don't work I would be out and bust'n some skulls in. Either by myself or with you. That's my coping mechanism, but for some reason I feel... nothing. Like all the raw energy's been... I don't know, sucked outta me, like something's been... ripped outta of me and... left a gaping hole inside me. And I hate it, I fucking hate it!"

I felt Casey's hand on my shoulder, "I know bro. Believe me I felt the same way when my Pops died. I was numb, like someone had flipped the switch off in my head or something. After a while it finally hit me that my old man was gone and I just cracked." He lifted his eyes to meet mine, "But Mikey ain't gone Raph, he's still in there somewhere. We both saw it back in the tunnel. I may not know much about the whole spiritual connection thing like you guys do, but I know that Mikey's still in there in that thing and he needs his family to help him."

I sat there speechless, after a while I nodded. I knew that Casey was right. Mikey was still in there somewhere, but that didn't shake the empty feeling that I still felt.

I turned back to my trapped baby brother, my eyes locked onto his, 'We'll getcha back Mikey. One way or another.'

'CRASH!'

''''''

Sorry for the long wait, hope you enjoyed it. Hopefully part 2 will be up soon.