- Chapter 1 -

Things Change

The next week passed by slowly. Yoshi and Kasumi arranged for proper burials for Kohaku and Shen, with both of their remains being cremated and sent back to them. Yoshi stayed with Kasumi for the time being, having nowhere else he could go. In the intervening time, Kohaku's estate was willed to Kasumi, leaving her a relatively wealthy woman. Eventually, over breakfast, Kasumi reached a decision.

"Yoshi," she began, setting down her chopsticks. "I've been thinking about this for a while. I think we should leave Japan."

Yoshi just looked at her, and Kasumi cringed at the look of despair in her friend's eyes.

"Leave Japan?" he asked, unable to keep the sorrow from his voice. "Kasumi... why?"

"Saki is still out there," Kasumi replied rationally. "If he finds out you're still alive, he'll come back to finish the job. Besides, there's nothing left for either of us here."

Yoshi nodded slowly, seeing Kasumi's point. "I... suppose you're right... but where should we go?"

"America," Kasumi declared. "He'll never think to look for us there."

Yoshi slightly straightened up at that. He couldn't help but remember back to one of his last conversations with his late wife. "Yes... Shen always spoke of visiting New York."

"New York City, it is," Kasumi decided. "As it turns out, there's a branch of TCRI there."

Yoshi gave a small smile. "That is most fortunate. We may require their aid getting there undetected by Saki's forces."

"I actually know the CEO of the New York branch a little," Kasumi informed him. "His name's Mortu. He and Kohaku have met a few times, when he came overseas for business."

"Mortu?" Yoshi asked thoughtfully. "What an unusual name."

"Kohaku thought so as well," Kasumi replied. "But he's a nice man. He can help us make arrangements."

"Then perhaps it is time we give it a call," Yoshi decided. "The sooner we leave Japan, the better."

Kasumi nodded and went to make the call.

-X-

Kasumi chatted with Mortu for a bit, explaining their situation and their plight. Once the call was done, she returned to Yoshi. "Mortu agreed to meet with us tomorrow. He'll make arrangements for the flight, and send a representative to meet us at the airport."

Yoshi nodded. "Excellent. I suppose we should gather what few belongings we have left."

"Yes," Kasumi said. "First thing tomorrow, we'll be off."

The next morning, they went to a private air strip owned by TCRI, and were met with an older man wearing glasses.

"Hamato Yoshi? Kasumi Lee?" the man asked, his voice containing a prominent British accent.

"Yes," Kasumi replied. "And you are?"

The man smiled. "I am Professor Jordan Perry." He offered out his hand. "I work with Mortu in the New York branch. He sent me here to meet you."

Kasumi smiled at that, shaking his hand warmly. "Excellent. We can leave immediately."

They started to board the plane, but Yoshi stopped about halfway up the stairs. He turned around, taking one last look at his native country. Kasumi turned back to him.

"Yoshi?" she asked. "What is it?"

Yoshi sighed. "I... I know we must leave, but..." he kept looking out at the horizon, unable to look away. "But Japan has been the only home I've ever known."

Kasumi patted his shoulder. "I know it's hard, Yoshi. If you need a minute..."

Yoshi took a deep breath, then tightened his grip on his suitcase. "No. Let's go."

A few hours later...

The flight went by without incident. They landed on the American air strip and disembarked. Afterwards, Professor Perry hailed a cab, taking them into the city. The cab eventually dropped them off in front of the TCRI building.

"Here we are," said the Professor, getting out and holding the cab door open for them.

Kasumi looked up at the tall building, feeling a sliver of sadness creeping into her heart as she cradled a sleeping Kagome in her arms.

"Kohaku..." she said sorrowfully.

Seeing her sadness, the Professor gently patted her back. "Mrs. Lee, I know it's hard, and I'm very sorry for your loss. We'll do our best to help you in these troubled times."

Kasumi wiped her eyes and gave a tearful, yet grateful, smile. "Thank you, Professor."

Perry smiled back. "You're quite welcome," he replied, holding the door open. "Now, shall we?"

He led them inside, and they took an elevator up to an office near the top floor. In the back of the room, seated at a desk was a man wearing dark sunglasses. He had light purple hair and a matching beard, and appeared to be in the middle of writing something down.

"Mr. Mortu," Professor Perry announced. "Kasumi Lee and Hamato Yoshi have arrived."

Mortu looked up and adjusted his glasses. "Thank you, Jordan. You are dismissed."

The Professor left, and Kasumi and Yoshi approached Mortu's desk.

"Mr. Mortu, I presume?" Yoshi said.

"Yes," Mortu replied, shaking their hands. "I'm so sorry for both your losses. Kohaku was a good man."

Kasumi looked down, adjusting her grip on Kagome. "One of the best..."

Mortu nodded. "I want to help out both of you during these tough times."

"Any help you can offer us will be greatly appreciated," Kasumi replied. "I fear we have little more than the clothes on our backs."

Mortu sat behind his desk, motioning for Kasumi and Yoshi to take a seat. "Well first, there's the matter of Kohaku's estate. What do you wish to do with it?"

"I've thought it over, and I wish to start my own company," Kasumi decided. "This is a fresh start for all of us, and I don't want to be reliant on the aid of others for the rest of my life. I want Kagome to grow up happy and well provided for."

Mortu nodded in understanding. "Very well. I can help you get started, with the building and whatnot. What do you wish to call it?"

Kasumi gave a small smile. "Kohaku Enterprises."

Mortu smiled at that. "A worthy name."

One year later...

A year passed, and the three refugees settled into New York quite nicely. Mortu had provided them with an apartment, seeing that they were set up with all of their basic needs, everything ranging from groceries to even baby supplies for Kagome. Kasumi soon settled into a routine of working at the office, one that helped her slowly overcome her loss. Unfortunately, Yoshi only began to sink into a depression, not doing much of anything.

Finally, upon seeing Yoshi sulking in a chair as she was about to drop Kagome off at daycare before work, Kasumi decided she'd had enough. She set her daughter down, then forced Yoshi's chair around so he was facing her.

"Yoshi, I'm sorry, but I can't take any more of this," she declared. "I know you're hurting, but it's been a year, and you need to stop sulking. Shen wouldn't want this."

Yoshi just looked at her. "And what do you propose I do?"

"You need companionship," Kasumi replied. "Someone or something to occupy your time and thoughts."

"But I'm not ready-" Yoshi began, but Kasumi held up a hand to silence him.

"I'm not talking about finding someone new. Maybe start out small. Like a pet."

"A pet?" Yoshi repeated, finding his mood lifting somewhat.

"Yes. There's a pet store by my office, on the corner of Eastman and Laird (1). We'll go by there later, and we can pick something out for you."

Yoshi shook his head. "Your company is welcome, but perhaps this is one decision I must make on my own."

"Alright then," Kasumi said, picking Kagome up once again. "I have to go to the office. I'll see you later."

Yoshi nodded. "Have a good day, my friend."

Kasumi nodded and gave him one last smile before going, leaving Yoshi to his thoughts.

"She's right," he said to himself. "I can't go on like this."

He got up, donned a jacket, and made his way out of the apartment.

-X-

It wasn't too difficult for Yoshi to find the pet store. He entered, and saw an older man sitting in front of the cashier. The man looked up and smiled.

"Hello, sir," he called out. "How may I help you?"

"For now, I'm just browsing," Yoshi replied.

The man, most likely the owner of the store, nodded. "Alright, but if you need anything, let me know."

Yoshi nodded, then began to look around, skimming over cages containing such animals as lizards, birds, fish, hamsters, and rabbits. Eventually, he found his attention drawn to a small tank in the corner, containing five baby turtles.

"Hmmm..." Yoshi let out, approached the tank and looking it over.

The owner noticed and came over. "Ah, yes. Those five were all recently hatched in the same nest (2). Four males and one female. I'm afraid they're a package deal though." He pointed to one in particular, with a small crack in its plastron. "That one right there bites anyone who tries to separate them."

"I see," Yoshi noted, turning to the owner. "How much for all five?"

"Altogether, they'll cost a hundred bucks (3)."

"I'll take them."

With that, Yoshi handed over the money and picked up the bowl.

"Thank you, sir," the owner smiled. "Have a nice day."

"Same to you."

With that, Yoshi walked out with the bowl in hand, smiling down at the five turtles who looked up at him curiously.

"Kasumi was right..." he said to himself. "I feel better already."

As we went, he suddenly bumped into someone hard.

"Oh!" Yoshi said in surprise. "Excuse me, sir. I didn't-"

The man, a rather plain-looking figure in a black business suit, just kept walking past him without a word. Yoshi looked at him suspiciously, getting a feeling the man was up to no good.

Unable to let the matter rest, Yoshi tailed him from the shadows, eventually following him into an alleyway. As he peered down the alley, he was shocked to see the man meeting with another who looked identical to him in every way, even wearing the same clothing.

"Do you have it?" the first man asked, his voice dull.

The other man handed him a canister of glowing green ooze, much to the first one's delight.

"Good," said the first man. "This should be more than enough for now."

As Yoshi leaned in to get a closer look, he accidentally stepped on the tail of a passing rat. It let out a loud squeak, alerting the two men, who saw Yoshi standing in the mouth of the alley.

"Oh, no..." Yoshi cursed.

"You idiot!" the second man shouted. "You were followed!"

"Then we'll have to rectify this problem," said the first man. "Kill him!"

The two ran at Yoshi, producing weapons from their coats. Keeping a firm hold on the turtles' bowl, Yoshi fought back. Despite the two-on-one advantage, Yoshi managed to hold his own. Eventually, he landed a solid kick to the chest of one of them, knocking him back. Unfortunately, this also launched the canister of ooze out of his hands.

"No! The mutagen!" the man cried.

Before anyone could do anything, the canister hit the ground and shattered, dousing Yoshi and the turtles in its contents. Almost immediately, Yoshi felt a horrible burning agony course through his body. He screamed in pain as he dropped the turtles' bowl, which shattered on impact. The turtles also began crying as well, their cries growing louder as they seemed to grow bigger.

"Damn it!" one of the men shouted. "Retreat! Now!"

The men retreated, and Yoshi collapsed, panting. He looked in a puddle before him-

-and recoiled to see the face of a giant rat staring back at him.

Yoshi gasped and scooted back, feeling his face. He felt his now elongated snout, the different position of his ears, and the pair of buck teeth poking out from the top part of his jaw.

"What..." he said. "What is this?!"

However, he was distracted by a new sound; the sound of small children crying. He turned, and gasped to see the turtles he had bought. They had also been changed; they were now humanoid and larger, about the size of human babies. One of them had grown a small shock of hair on their head; Yoshi guessed that was the female turtle the owner had mentioned (4). Yoshi looked at the shattered canister, and realization dawned.

"That ooze," he let out. "Somehow... it did this."

The five turtles all looked at Yoshi, tears in their eyes. One of them in particular, the one with a cracked plastron, crawled over to him, most likely seeking comfort. After a moment, Yoshi gave a small smile. The little turtle reminded him so much of Miwa. He gently took it in his arms, comforting him.

"Shhh..." he soothed, and slowly, the turtle quieted down.

The others slowly crawled towards him as well, gathering around him. After a minute, Yoshi reached a decision. "Kasumi... I need to get to Kasumi."

She was the only one he could trust right now. Quickly, he gathered up the turtles, as well as the broken canister, and made his way to a payphone at the end of the alleyway.

Kasumi was sitting in her office, in the middle of a massive amount of paperwork, when her phone rang. She picked it up, not looking up from her paperwork.

"Kohaku Enterprises," she said. "How may I help you."

"Kasumi..." came a familiar voice on the other end. "It's me."

"Yoshi?" Kasumi questioned, feeling dread slip into her heart for some reason. "Is everything alright?" She checked the caller ID, seeing the number as "unknown." "Where are you?"

"I'm at a payphone near Eastman and Laird. I... I need help. Something has happened."

Kasumi jumped to her feet. "I'm on my way."

With that, she slammed the receiver down and ran out to her secretary, a young, mousy-looking woman with brown hair in a ponytail.

"Irma, hold my calls," she said. "There's been an emergency!"

"Yes, ma'am."

-X-

Kasumi made her way to the payphone where Yoshi called as fast as she could. She looked around, but Yoshi was nowhere to be seen.

"Yoshi?!" she called out. "I'm here! Where are you?"

"Kasumi..."

Kasumi turned in the direction of a darkened alley tucked behind a dumpster. That was where Yoshi's voice had come from.

"Yoshi?" Kasumi approached, seeing a figure move from behind the dumpster. Before she could get too close, the figure immediately moved out of her sight.

"Kasumi..." Yoshi said. "You must promise me you will not act rashly. Please..."

Kasumi raised her eyebrow. "Uh... okay. I promise."

"Give me your word, as the last kunoichi of the Hamato Clan."

Kasumi nodded, getting exasperated. "Alright, you have my word. Now tell me what's wrong!"

Yoshi slowly moved into the light, revealing his new form. Kasumi gasped in shock, and could only stare for a few seconds.

"Y-Yoshi?" she asked, getting a slight nod. "Oh, my God! What happened?!"

Yoshi shushed her, and beckoned her into the alley out of sight.

"I followed a suspicious man into this alley. He was trying to collect this." Yoshi displayed the broken canister. "It contained a strange ooze. It's what turned me into... this. And not just me."

Kasumi heard the sound of babies cooing, raising an eyebrow in confusion. She gasped as Yoshi moved aside, revealing the five baby Turtles that had transformed along with him.

"These were the pets I bought," Yoshi explained. "They were exposed to the ooze as well."

Kasumi looked them over, seeing how cute and innocent they appeared.

"They're..." she whispered. "They're just like Kagome." The one with hair started crying. After a minute, Kasumi smiled gently and picked her up. "Shhh..." she said softly, petting the turtle girl's head. "It's okay."

Soon, the turtle stopped crying, and Yoshi gathered up the other four.

"I do not know what to do," Yoshi said, his voice fearful. "I will not leave these Turtle creatures, but there is nowhere we can go."

"Let's get back to the apartment for now," Kasumi suggested. "That way, we can figure out what to do from there. And we should probably go before someone sees you like this."

-X-

She got them all into her car, and they made it back to the apartment. Once inside, the baby Turtles all started crawling around, exploring. Kasumi looked at them in wonder.

"They're just like... any other children," she said aloud.

Yoshi let out a sigh of despair and slumped against the wall, pulling a picture of himself, Miwa, and Tang Shen out of his pocket. "What terrible deed did I do in a past life, that such a curse has befallen me? I've lost my family... and now I've become a monster."

Kasumi turned to him, shaking her head. "No. You're not a monster, Yoshi." She knelt down to his level. "A monster would have left these... children behind. But you, your first instinct was to protect them, bring them somewhere safe. No monster would do that."

Yoshi still looked unsure. Kasumi grabbed his shoulders, forcing him to look her in the eye. "No matter how you look on the outside, you are still Hamato Yoshi."

Before Yoshi could say anything, he felt a little hand on his leg, and they both looked down to see one of the Turtles smiling up at him. Kasumi smiled at the sight. "I think they like you."

After a minute, Yoshi smiled as well and picked up the baby. "Perhaps... fate has given me a second chance to be a father."

The baby turtle in his arms threw up his hands happily.

"Seems that way," Kasumi said. "But first, we need to name them."

Yoshi stood up, gently handing the baby over to Kasumi before going into his room and coming out with an art book.

"As a child, I always wanted to be an artist, as you recall. In a way, it seems appropriate to name them after the masters of my favorite period in art: the Renaissance."

Kasumi nodded at that. "Well then, what are you going to name them?"

Yoshi looked down at the Turtle in Kasumi's arms. "That one will be Leonardo."

Kasumi smiled down at the newly christened Leonardo.

"What about the one with the cracked shell?" she wondered.

Yoshi thought for a minute. "Raphael."

They looked to see another male turtle fiddling with the TV remote, examining it curiously.

"That one looks like a curious one," Kasumi said. "What about him?"

"I'll call him Donatello," Yoshi replied.

Kasumi smiled at that. "It's fitting."

They looked to see the fourth male turtle playing with one of Kagome's discarded toys, seemingly enjoying himself.

"What about that one?" Kasumi asked. "He seems playful."

Yoshi thought, then smiled. "He will be named Michelangelo."

They looked down at the female turtle, who was crawling over to them.

"And that just leaves the girl," Yoshi declared.

"I don't think there were any female Renaissance artists," Kasumi said. "But there were a lot of famous artworks depicting women. Like the Mona Lisa."

"Hmmm..." Yoshi thought for a minute. "How about... Venus. Venus de Milo."

Kasumi smiled. "A perfect name."

"Indeed," Yoshi said, looking down at himself. "Perhaps I could use a new name of my own."

Kasumi tilted her head quizzically. "A new name?"

Yoshi nodded. "Hamato Yoshi's life ended when I transformed. Call me... Splinter."

"Your old codename (5)?" Kasumi asked. "I haven't heard that in years."

Splinter nodded at her. "Yes. It is fitting."

"Agreed," Kasumi replied. "But you'll always be Yoshi to me."

"Very well then. But I fear we cannot stay here any longer. Should anyone learn about me or the Turtles..."

"I know, Yoshi," Kasumi said, nodding in understanding. "Just stay here for tonight, and I'll help you find a place tomorrow, away from prying eyes."

Splinter smiled at that. "What did I ever do to deserve a friend like you, Kasumi?"

"You're a good man, and my best friend, Yoshi," Kasumi replied. "And I am not abandoning you when you really need it."

Author's Note:

(1): Only true TMNT fans will get that reference.

(2): My plan all along; the Turtles are all specifically blood related.

(3): From what I looked up, pet turtles are usually twenty bucks a pop.

(4): The decision to give Venus hair when the others don't have it was planned from the beginning; my own flavor, and so people can tell she's the girl of the group.

(5): Going on from the 2012 show. Yoshi had gone by the name Splinter for some time before he mutated, and Shredder specifically called him that before he found out Yoshi had mutated.

Yep. I decided to add in Venus de Milo from Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation here. And this is my version of her; specifically raised alongside the Turtles, no shinobi magic or any of that jazz.

Next chapter: an adaptation of the 2012 episode Lone Rat and Cubs. Splinter and Kasumi struggle to find a place for him and the Turtles to hide out, and are menaced by the mysterious figures who were dealing with the mutagen along the way.

As for the voice cast, Professor Perry is voiced by the same guy who played him in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze: David Warner. And Mortu is voiced by Dan Green, his VA in the 2003 show.

Please R&R. Until next time!