Heeeere we go!

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My search didn't yield as much as I'd hoped. Most of it was what my parents and the others had already told me. The rest was meager information that I didn't need or want to know anyway. Like how April was killed...

When I finally went back to my bedroom, I felt more confused and frustrated than before. Even with all the information I had, I felt like there was still some big part of this puzzle I was missing.

Sleep itself was nearly impossible, so after tossing and turning for what seemed like forever, I finally decided to go and do something. Maybe get some green tea if Ithiell still had some in the kitchen.

Yes, you heard right, green tea. Ironically enough it was one of the very few hot drinks I had of a morning. I still didn't know how my dad drank coffee... it smelled horrible...

I looked at the time, realising it had just passed five in the morning, the thought itself dampening my mood a little as I headed through the quiet base and into the large kitchen.

I ran a hand through my loose hair as I grabbed a cup, starting the kettle as I wandered around the room aimlessly. I figured tea and a shower might put me in a better mood, or even having another look through the computer. There might be something I missed... or I could look online for something that related to all of this. Surely humans would have some myths about this Crayak, or something like him...

Once my tea was made I moved into the large dining room it attached to, sitting down at the head of the table and slowly starting to sip.

The events from yesterday started slowly coming back to me, and I tried my best to analyze each event as best I could.

I tried to start with our first patrol the other night. We had been right on that truck, and it had simply vanished before our eyes. I thought of what Ithiell had said about Crayak, how he could bend reality so to speak. It would probably explain how the truck was there one minute, then gone the next. And why the tracks stopped so abruptly. This higher being must have displaced the truck to another location, or...

For some reason my mind went to all the emotions I'd felt yesterday. Fear... blind anger... jealousy...

Sure, I felt those things before... but no where near as strongly as I had yesterday. Seeing my cousins and Eoran fall... then that guy, who they called Shredder, hurting my mother with intent to kill me...

Cassie kissing Eoran...

The thought made me squeeze my mug a little tighter than I should, feeling something inside it crack. I knew it wasn't something that I should be worried about... or should even think about... it was actually silly to be getting so upset about it...

Out of all my cousins, I was the most level headed and patient, and the thought of all these things sending me over the edge so quickly just seemed to make me more and more frustrated.

What would have happened if I'd actually reached Shredder? Would he have killed me in one blow? Would he have toyed with me, and laughed at my stupidity?

All the stories I'd heard about the Shredder through my dad weren't good. He was a very skilled master, moreso than Grandpa Splinter had been, and had almost killed him and my uncles when they were younger. So... what chance would I have? I wasn't nearly as skilled as my dad, so he probably would have killed me by ramming one of those blades through my side.

If Cassie hadn't... I'd probably be dead now. Or... if I'd been more aware like I'd been taught... my mother wouldn't have had to take that first blade through her chest...

It was all my fault! If I hadn't been so utterly careless... my mum wouldn't be weak and in the med bay... and we wouldn't be here...

If I had just-

I'm just a stupid freak!

At the thought, I grabbed the cup, throwing it blindly and with as much force as I could muster, an angry cry escaping my lips.

"Whoa!" A familiar voice snapped me back to my senses, looking up to first see the cup suspended in midair, my aunt behind it, her arms up defensively.

"O-oh, Aunt Kristiana! I-I-I'm so sor-"

"It's all right, just... try not to do that again" She sighed, moving the cup back onto the table in front of me with her powers. In seconds Uncle Mikey was there as well, looking from her to me.

"What happened? You girls okay?"

"Yeah" Aunt Kristiana didn't look impressed "Miah here was just seeing hard she could throw"

"I'm sorry" I said more softly this time, lowering my eyes to the still half filled mug. Once again, I'd almost hurt someone I cared about with my reckless-

"Was it-"

"Babe, please don't" Aunt Kristiana said, before I felt a hand on my arm, making me look up at her.

"Miah, what's wrong?"

Inside, I was cursing myself. But I tried to keep a calm expression on my face.

"It-it's nothing"

"Miah" Her tone was now a warning one, and I remembered she was also telepathic. She was probably picking up on my negativity...

One thing my aunt never did was probe our minds for the information. Instead, she asked firmly until she got a proper answer. Which I respected, but it was still slightly irritating. I mean... she could pretty much force us into telling the truth if she needed to.

"Come on, sit down" She moved, her hands on my shoulders as I sat back down on my chair, my aunt sitting on one side of me. I was surprised when my uncle sat on the other, a hand patting the top of my shell a little as he smiled reassuringly at me.

"Now, tell us what's going through that genius mind of yours" She said, making me turn my attention back to her.

"Well I... just the events of yesterday are... well... I don't know why I'm so important. I've made so many mistakes.. and..." I stopped, looking into the liquid still in my mug. I was surprised my aunt had managed to keep most of it still in the cup when she caught it with her powers.

"Go on" My uncle encouraged, tapping my shell again. I bit my lip, looking from one to the other. How could I possibly tell them this. They were probably the happiest two out of all my uncles and aunts. My uncle was almost always playful, my aunt... well, sometimes she'd goad him on, sometimes she'd tell him off. Either way, there was always love there.

"Look, I know this is going to sound really stupid, but... well, I'm not human, and I'm not really a turtle... I'm some kind of mutated freak of-"

"Uh, no" My uncles forceful voice stopped me in my tracks, and I looked up at him.

"You... my dear... are my gorgeous niece. And you're not a freak, you're... unique"

"But I-"

"No, your uncle is right, Miah" My aunt spoke up "You're amazing, and you're one of a kind. You all are. I mean, why even think of being normal? Normal is boring"

"Cause I want to belong somewhere... and be cared about for who I am, not what I look like"

"Oh babycakes" Uncle Mikey put an arm around my shoulders, squeezing lightly "You are cared about, and loved, for who you are"

I looked at him as he smiled broadly "And you already belong... with us"

"I know Uncle Mikey, I just-" I looked at my aunt, who had obviously picked up on what I meant, stroking my hair a little before she spoke.

"Oh sweetheart, fitting in with 'normal' people isn't what it's cracked up to be"

I felt a little annoyed at that. I mean, she was human, and normal, so she could make that choice. I couldn't.

"But Aunt Kristiana, you can fit in wherever and whenever you want. I mean, you're full human, and-"

"Stop right there missy"

Uh oh. Me and my smart mouth...

Her blue eyes bored into mine and she leaned close, making me lean slightly more into my uncle. She was annoyed to say the least.

"Just because I'm fully human doesn't mean I want to or used to fit in with other human beings" Then her voice, and face, softened a little "Miah, I never felt like I belonged until I fell into this world, and met the love of my life... your uncle"

I heard my uncle giggle a little, and she smirked as she took a quick glance at him, then turned her attention back to me.

"Your uncle, my daughter, and the rest of this family of ours... it's where I know I belong. And I don't know what I'd do if I lost any of you"

"And what's wrong with making a mistake? We've all made mistakes, but as long as your heart is in the right place... and you try your best, then that's all that matters" My uncle said, and I couldn't help but stare. It was such a smart... and mature... thing for him to say.

"But... but I..." I wanted to protest both of them, but words just left me. I didn't know what to say.

"Miah, we couldn't love you more. And you are, in no way, a freak. You are an amazing young woman"

"Who is super smart, and totally awesome like her uncle" Uncle Mikey threw in, hugging me again, and I couldn't help but let out a small snort.

"You are pretty awesome" I turned to look up at him, seeing him grinning madly.

At that moment, I felt something in me break, and emotions overwhelmed me. I felt a lump in my throat, and tears start to blur my vision.

"I love you Uncle Mike" I threw my arms around him in the biggest hug I could manage, feeling him return the pressure.

"I love you too lil Miah"

As soon as I let go of my uncle, I turned to my aunt, hugging her as tightly as I dared.

"Love you Aunt Kristiana"

"Love you too baby girl" She returned the hug, before pulling away, grabbing my face in her hands "And don't you forget that, all right?"

All I could do was nod, trying to get some control back. I couldn't let others... especially my parents... see me so upset.

"Now, you get yourself cleaned up... the others will be up soon, and your uncle and I need to work out breakfast before they do"

"Okay"

I go up, with the two leading me out into the main room.

"I know!" Uncle Mikey said excitedly "Want some chocolate pancakes? I know they used to be your favorite!"

I couldn't help but smile, nodding enthusiastically "That sounds great Uncle Mike"'

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't eat them all before you get some" My aunt nudged my uncle, and I heard him make a small whining sound.

"Hey, I ain't that bad, jeez"

I couldn't help but laugh a little, feeling grateful for having them in my family. I gave them both a slight wave, before heading to the bathroom to shower.

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The shower helped clear my head a little, but it also put more troubles in my head. I knew after breakfast, there would most likely be more talk about my cousins and I getting training in our other abilities. And honestly, I didn't think I was ready for it.

The Chanaiben blood in me, mixed with the mutagen... well, it could do anything to my body if I started to learn to shift. It could leave me in a completely different form, or could mutate my original form even further... I could be even more of a fr-

No, I couldn't think like that. It would only-

I rubbed my face, trying to remember my aunt and uncles words. I knew they loved me, but in a way I knew they couldn't see the same things I saw...

I'd managed to get outside before anyone else woke up, and now I was sitting near the very top of the base, close to the edge a cliff that looked out over the landscape around us. The sun was starting to rise over the rolling mountains, touching the very tips of the trees as it rose. It was eerily beautiful...

I'd been up here countless times with the others, but each time I took my breath away. To see the world around me start to slowly come to life again... its what it was all about.

"Early morning training?"

The deep voice startled me so much I bolted up, grabbing for a Bo I suddenly remembered I'd left in the dojo. I cursed myself, seeing a head emerge from the cliff side, the flash of blue making me realise who was coming up to join me.

"U-Uncle Leo?" I stuttered, watching as he landed gracefully in front of me, kneeling with his fist in the ground, almost like a super hero. He stood up, a warm smile playing across his lips as he looked at me.

"The one and only. Who'd you think it'd be?"

"Uh... someone?" I shrugged sheepishly, watching as he sat on the edge, indicating I come join him.

"You should know by now, there's nothing to fear here. This base is fortified, and even if someone did get in... they'd have to go through us first" He told me as I sat down, looking up at him.

Out of all my uncles, I probably felt closest to my Uncle Leo. He'd been the one to teach me how to properly meditate, and although he was more disciplined than the others... I felt I could talk to him more about my troubles, if I ever couldn't talk to my parents. I wasn't sure if it was because he was the oldest of his brothers, but I just felt... safe with him.

"I know, but... I just..." I wasn't sure if I should tell him about my worry or not, when it came to shifting like my mother. I knew he would understand, but I also knew he, as well as the others, were resolute in their decision to teach us.

"I know, times are tense. But know I won't let anything happen to you, or your cousins" He put a hand on my shoulder, squeezing a little. In that moment, I made the decision.

"Uncle Leo?"

"Yes Miah?"

"I'm... I'm scared"

Now that got his attention, turning his face towards me, his deep blue eyes staring straight at me now.

"Miah, what are you afraid of?"

"I know it's going to sound stupid" I looked away, twiddling my thumbs a little as I continued "But... I'm terrified of what shifting might do to my body. I know you're all going to tell me I have to... but what if... what if I can't shift back, or I'm deformed in some way after-"

"I don't think that's going to happen. After all, it didn't with your mother, or her group"

"But I'm a-" I managed to stop myself, seeing Uncle Leo raise an eyebrow "I'm not really a normal kind of mutant... or really fully human. Or... even..."

"Miah, this decision wasn't made lightly, for one thing. Even though I haven't had any personal dealings with him myself, I know this Crayak creature is dangerous, and you need every advantage you can get if you ever have to tangle with this... being"

"I know, you'd never force us, but..."

"Think of it as... advanced training"

All I could do was look up at my uncle, a million things going through my head but knowing he wouldn't like a single one.

"Don't worry Miah. It won't be as bad as... oh, here's your aunt"

My uncle pointed, and my head shot around to see a golden eagle land beside us, instantly starting to grow.

In seconds Aunt Serah was moving to sit beside me, completely human, and I got an odd sense of deja vu.

"Hey there, was wondering where you disappeared to"

Uncle Leo chuckled "Guess my ninja skills are still as sharp as ever"

"Don't get cocky, I'll get you again one day" She smiled, then turned her attention to me.

"So what you doing out here so early? Training?"

"Uh... no. Thinking"

"What about?"

"She's worried about shifting"

I frowned a little, wishing he hadn't told her so openly. Now more people knew I was-

"Miah, sweetie, you've got nothing to worry about. I know... it can be scary... and it takes time to master, but you'll get there"

"I'm more worried about what it'll do to me. I've never shifted before-"

"Let me stop you right there" She put a hand on my arm, smiling as she squeezed a little. I kept quiet, not sure what my aunt wanted to tell me.

"You know I didn't know I was part alien until I was almost eighteen?"

Well, that part I didn't know.

"But your mom-"

"Didn't tell me...or my brothers... anything. The only reason I found out was because I the stupid Yeerks infiltrated my family, and found out what my mom was. After that... you know the rest"

"Well, snatches-" Aunt Serah put a hand up, stopping me.

"The point is... I had a crash course in shifting, just like you'll probably get. It was strange at first, kind of scary, but once you get used to it... Miah, when you fly... it's truly amazing! When you can swim through the water... its so freeing! And being a lion or a fox... there's no other thing I can compare it to, its... amazing!"

"But... you said it was scary"

"It was" She chuckled then "I mean, being able to change your body... and making yourself something else? Feeling yourself grow or shrink... it rattles you a little. But don't worry Miah... once you get used to it, well..." She stopped, smiling a little and almost looking like she was remembering something.

"You'll be fine Miah... you're smart, and I'm sure you'll catch on" Uncle Leo made me turn back to him.

"But I need to run tests... I..." I stopped, not sure what else to say.

"Miah, if you want to run test... then run them. But at the end of the day, you'll still need to learn"

"And it's not that bad, once you get used to it" My aunt added, looking past me to my uncle. I felt them both stand up, looking from one to the other.

"Come on you miniature Donnie" Uncle Leo said, offering a hand to pull me up. I took it, feeling almost weightless as he pulled me to my feet.

"Breakfast should almost be ready... and I heard your Uncle Mikey is making a batch especially for you"

"I don't really-" Before I could say more, my stomach defied me, letting out a low and loud growl, making my aunt and uncle both chuckle a little.

"Sounds like your stomach is eager for some fuel" Aunt Serah giggled, patting my arm before she backed up, starting to shrink again. I watched her, awestruck, as she became the eagle again, lifting into the sky with ease.

Maybe I could...

"Well Miah" Uncle Leo snapped me out of my stupor, and I looked back up at him.

"Yes Uncle Leo?"

"I think it's time to test your skill..."

"Uh? Oh no, not-"

"Race you to the entrance" In seconds he was gone, and I groaned, knowing I'd never catch him in time.

He was just too fast...

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Sorry if this is kind of a bland chapter, I just wanted to show the relationships between Miah and her other two uncles.

Hope you enjoyed anyway :D

Thanks guys and gals!