- Chapter 44 -

Rise of the Mutanimals

In the dead of night, a lone turtle silhouette was staring down at an unmarked building, watching as several Krangdroids patrolled outside. It slipped off the rooftop, expertly taking down the droids one by one. The turtle then slipped inside, destroying several pieces of equipment before placing a couple charges. The timer was set to five minutes, which was more than the turtle needed. As the timer counted down, the turtle made one last stop to the lab area, where some droids were standing over a bound duck mutant.

"You bastards won't get away with this," the duck spat.

One of the Krangdroids smirked. "We already have."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that."

A massive mace smashed the bots into pulp as the turtle utterly demolished them. When they finished, they turned to the duck, snapping the restraints.

"Who… what?" the duck managed.

"I'm here to help," the turtle held out a hand, which the duck took.

"You one of those Ninja Turtles?" the duck asked.

"In a sense…" the turtle replied. "Call me… Slash."

"Ace. Ace Conrad."

"Right," Slash nodded. "C'mon, Ace. I set this place to blow."

They hurried out, making it a safe distance away just as the charges went off.

Down in the lair, a sickly, sniffling Hisako was seated before Kagome, who was trimming her hair into a less messy, haphazard style. Finally, she sat the scissors down.

"Alright, I'm done," The older girl held out a mirror, allowing Hisako to see her new pixie cut.

"Much better," Hisako smiled. "The Rapunzel cut wasn't doing it for me."

"It's just missing one thing," Vee set out a box of lime green hair dye. "Your preferred color."

"Thanks, Vee," Hisako said gratefully.

"I'm just glad you finally let us fix your hair," Vee replied.

"Agreed," said Kagome.

Hisako shrugged. "I just needed a self-care day." She snagged a tissue, blowing her nose.

Kagome patted her shoulder. "Well, you just kick back and let us do that for you."

She opened the box, slid on the gloves, and got to work with the dye. As she did, Leatherhead came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray with juice and a couple sandwiches.

"Here," he held it out. "You must be hungry."

"If there is a heaven, this would be it." Hisako sneezed. "With a few tweaks."

As this was going on, a bored Mikey stood up, stretching his legs before making his way toward the door to Donnie's lab. He had just barely put a foot beyond the doorway when Donnie addressed him without even turning around.

"I know you're there, Mikey. Whatever you want in here, just turn around and walk away, please."

"Oh c'mon, D," Mikey grumbled. "I'm bored. You know I'm not gonna touch anything I shouldn't. And I wanna see what you're doing."

"I'm working on my next batch of retro-mutagen, and I can't be distracted. If I get any of this on me, or you, it's back to the glass bowl in the pet shop."

Mikey raised an eyebrow. "Did Dad say whether or not he'd take it yet?"

"Not yet, no. But even if he turns it down, it'll be good to have some on hand. It could help us against some of the more violent mutants. Turning them back into animals, or people."

"Cool. So can I-?"

"No, Mikey," Donnie said firmly. "Go watch TV or something."

"I can't," Mikey insisted. "I try to change the channel, LH growls at me. There's nothing to do out there. C'mon, man."

Donnie stood up, guiding Mikey to the door.

"Then find something. I don't know what else to tell you." He ushered Mikey out before closing the door, leaving Mikey to groan in boredom.

"It's no use, Mikey," Leo said. "Just sit down and relax with us."

Defeated, Mikey took a seat on the couch next to him.

"Do you need anything, Oracle?" Leatherhead asked.

"Aside from my face to stop feeling like it's stuffed with concrete, I'm good," Hisako replied.

"Are you sure?"

"Well… more juice."

Raph chuckled. "Big bad Leatherhead acting like a docile puppy for Hisako."

"He finally has the chance to take care of Hisako properly," Vee pointed out. "Can you blame him?"

"True," Leo nodded. "Hey Hisako, can we watch the news?"

Hisako picked up the remote, changing the channel. Robyn was standing before the remains of the Utrom outpost that Slash had saved Ace from and blown up.

"This is Robyn O'Neil, coming live from the scene of an apparent terrorist attack. A seemingly nondescript warehouse was blown up a few nights before. The reasons remain unknown."

"Whoa, déjà vu," Mikey mused.

"It wasn't me this time," Hisako was quick to say.

"We know," Leo replied. "You've been bedridden for the past few days. No way you could've done this."

" Sources say that a mutant turtle was seen fleeing the scene with an unknown mutant in tow. Is this the work of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or some new player? Stay tuned as this story unfolds. "

The minute a turtle was mentioned, Hisako dropped the remote and everyone froze.

"A lone…" Leo began.

"Mutant…" Mikey added.

"Turtle…" Vee included.

"Slash…" Raph realized. "It's gotta be."

"The large turtle that tried to kill Oracle…" Leatherhead growled, his eyes glazing over.

At that moment, Leo's T-Phone went off. He pulled it out, checking the caller ID.

"Oh, boy…" he sighed before answering. "Chief Vincent?"

"Leonardo, I presume?" came Rebecca's voice. "We need to talk. Come to the station immediately."

"I'm on my way," Leo hung up, turning to the others. "Well, whatever Slash is up to, I need to go do damage control with the cops."

"Let me come too," Raph said. "Slash was my pet. That makes him my responsibility."

Leo nodded, the two heading out.

At the NYPD, the two brothers sat in Rebecca's office. She sighed, rubbing her temples.

"I don't want to believe you were involved in this, but I need to make sure. Were you or any of the other Turtles at that warehouse that night?"

"No, we weren't," Leo replied.

"The turtle you're looking for is called Slash," Raph added. "He... was... my pet, But after an incident involving some mutagen, he became a monster…"

"He tried to kill all of us, and escaped after our fight," Leo chimed in. "Seems he's finally popping up to cause trouble again."

"I see," Rebecca nodded. "I reviewed security camera footage of that night. The turtle in question did look a bit too big and, well, spiky to be one of you."

"Yep," Leo nodded. "That's Slash, all right."

"Then I will leave him to you," Rebecca decided. "I don't want to put my officers in danger."

"This is our mess anyhow," Raph told her. "We'll take care of him."

As they headed out, Leo turned to Raph, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Raph, you can sit this one out if you want," he told him gently. "I know how much Spike meant to you."

"No," Raph shook his head. "He tried to kill you. He crossed the line. And he's going down."

"Are you sure?"

Raph nodded. "I can't hang onto the past anymore, Leo. Spike's gone. Nothing's ever gonna bring him back."

"Alright then," Leo decided. "Let's go get the others."

Slash pushed open the door of the derelict apartment where he was staying, ushering Ace inside.

"Hob!" he called. "I'm back!"

Old Hob was seated on the couch, finishing off his latest cigarette. "So… how'd it go?"

"Perfect success. And we have a new tenant. Ace, meet Old Hob. Old Hob, Ace."

Ace waved awkwardly. "Uh… hi."

"Welcome to Hostel de Mutant," Hob greeted. "You animal-born or human?"

"Human."

Hob immediately sneered.

"Easy," Slash cut in. "He's one of us now. Human-born or not, he's a victim of Krang just like us, Hob."

"Right," Hob nodded. "Sorry."

Ace blinked. "You weren't human?"

"Nope," Slash shook his head. "Neither was I."

"How... how many more are there?"

"Too many," Hob replied.

"I've been running interference against Krang for a while," Slash explained. "Saving his test subjects, like you."

"But there's only so much we can do with just the two of us," Hob added. "We need more."

"If you wanna help us against Krang, help save more of his victims, we'd appreciate it," Slash told Ace. "Either way, you're welcome to crash here."

"Well…" Ace looked at his hands, now wing-like and covered in feathers. "I was a soldier before all this happened. A member of the Air Force. I swore to protect my home. You two seem like a good way to keep that oath."

Hob nodded, holding out his hand. "Welcome aboard."

Ace took it, shaking.

Back in the lair, Leo explained the details.

"We've confirmed that it was Slash at the warehouse last night."

"And he's been one busy turtle," Donnie chimed in. "I've done some digging, and as it turns out, there have been multiple sightings of him all around the city. Oftentimes busting into places, and almost always leaving with one or more mutants."

"So… what?" Mikey asked. "He's been breaking into Krang's labs and saving test subjects?"

"I doubt that," Raph cut in. "There's gotta be an angle we're missing."

"Maybe…" Kagome cut in, "but we need more information before we go jumping the gun."

"Why don't we just find him and talk to him?" Mikey offered, getting strange looks. "What? It's a legitimate idea."

"Mikey, he tried to kill you all, and damn near smashed Hisako's face in," Raph pointed out. "Pretty sure we're done talking."

"Mikey might have a point," Hisako chimed in. "Mutation Madness."

"Come again?" Vee asked.

"When a creature is mutated for the first time, their body is unstable, and with it, their mind," Hisako explained. "Slash may have been suffering from the madness, but now that he's had time to stabilize-"

"It's no excuse!" Raph cut her off. "He was my pet! My friend! I trusted him, and he attacked my family!"

"Raph…" Leo began.

"Donnie, did you finish that retro-mutagen?" Raph asked.

"I... do have a dose," Donnie admitted. "But I was gonna use it on-"

"You can make more. I'm going to make sure Slash can't hurt anyone ever again."

"How about we hold that off until we ask him what's going on?" Mikey offered again.

Raph glared at him. "There's no point in trying diplomacy. Maniacs like him can't be reasoned with."

He got up, marching into Donnie's lab.

"Hey, hey!" Donnie shouted as Raph came back out with the small test tube of retro-mutagen.

"I'm putting an end to this," the red turtle swore.

"Raph, stop!" Donnie yelled. "I made that specifically for Dad!"

Raph shrugged. "He's lived like this for fifteen years. What's a few more weeks?"

"Raph, do you even hear yourself right now?" Leo asked. "You're not thinking straight."

"I know what I'm doing, Leo."

"Do you?"

"I'm protecting my family. Now either help me or get out of my way."

And with that, Raph was gone.

Meanwhile, at Stockman's lab, Shredder was looking over his latest creation: a mutant hermit crab with a red exoskeleton, military fatigues, and a massive iron shell on its back. He was... less than impressed.

"I ordered you to build me a mutant army, and you give me this?" he demanded.

"No, no!" Stockman chimed in. "Don't you see? Herman here is a crab. His exoskeleton is super-tough, and that shell of his carries heavy weaponry and munitions. He'll work perfectly as a quartermaster!"

"I need stealthy warriors," Shredder shot back. "An army of elite soldiers, not this overgrown seafood platter."

"This is the last time you screw up, Stockman," Rahzar bared his claws, advancing on the scientist.

"Screw up?" Stockman began nervously. "But look at you, Bradford. You're twice the dog, uh, man you were before!"

"No thanks to you. But don't worry. This will only hurt a little bit."

He moved in for the kill, but Shredder caught his arm.

"No, Bradford. Despite Stockman's failures, his brain is still of use to me. I have a more suitable fate in mind."

He held up the detonator for Stockman's mutagen collar, and Stockman gasped in terror.

"No, please!" he begged. "I won't be of any use to you as a mutant! Just give me some time! I'll give you your-!"

Without hesitation, Shredder pressed the detonator.

"I am not a man of idle threats." he growled before tossing the remote aside.

The mutagen canisters exploded, drenching the doctor as he screamed in agony. As he writhed on the ground, Shredder looked at Herman in disgust.

"Get rid of that," he ordered.

As Shredder stormed out, a lone fly landed on Stockman's nose. Immediately, his form contorted and his head swelled, his eyes bulging out and his mouth extending into insect mandibles. Thin wings tore through his shirt and his arm became bumpy and disgusting, leaving him a horrible cross between a man and a fly. Eventually, the pain subsided, and Stockman was horrified to see dozens of simultaneous images of his lab around him, almost as if he was looking at a broken mirror. He looked around, eventually catching his reflection in the mutagen container. Upon seeing his new form, he let out a horrified, buzzing scream. Rahzar looked on without much sympathy.

"Well... at least now there's someone in the group who's more of a freak than me," he turned to Herman. "Now for you."

Herman scuttled backwards, looking utterly terrified.

"C-c'mon, sir!" he pleaded. "I can help you and your commander! I'm a loyal soldier!"

"No. What you are is dinner."

Rahzar lunged, mouth open, but before he could make contact, Slash's mace came swinging in, slamming into his face and sending him flying into the wall.

"Down, boy," he spat.

"What in-?" Herman managed.

"Thought I caught a whiff of mutagen coming from here," Slash noted. "Guess I was too late."

"Who are you?"

"Name's Slash. Mutant freedom fighter. Now come on. We need to book before Fido wakes up, or flyboy stops screaming."

Weighing his options, Herman followed Slash out of the lab.

Not far from where Slash was, Raph was making his way across the city, trying to find his wayward pet. He froze when he heard the sound of bricks breaking, hurrying to the edge of the roof to see Slash smashing his way out of Stockman's lab with Herman in tow.

"Found you…"

He needed to know where Slash was going, so he tailed the massive turtle. Keeping out of sight, he eventually saw him and Herman head into Hob's hideout.

"So you fell in with Old Hob…" Raph rose to his feet, putting on his serious eyes. "I should have known…"

-X-

Slash had just entered the hideout and introduced Herman to Hob when he stopped, smelling something.

"Slash?" Hob asked. "What is it?"

"Mutagen," Slash replied. "But it smells… off. It's coming from outside."

"Right… Need back-up?"

Slash shook his head. "I got this. Keep the others safe."

He headed out, looking around and seeing nothing.

"It's been a while, hasn't it... Spike ?"

Slash turned to see Raph emerge from the shadows, serious eyes on and retro-mutagen in hand.

"Raphael…" Slash managed. "It's been some time. How'd you find me?"

"I was already out looking for you when I saw you bust out of Stockman's lab. From there, it was just a matter of tailing you here."

"Figures," Slash muttered. "I guess it was too much to hope I'd remain off your radar." He looked at the tube. "That what I think it is?"

"Donnie's retro-mutagen," Raph confirmed. "It works."

Realizing his intent, Slash held out a hand. "Raphael, you don't understand. Just let me-"

"Shut up," Raph hissed, his tone a perfectly calm one only achievable by those in the icy plains on the far side of berserk rage. "I trusted you, and you tried to kill my siblings. Kill Kagome. Did you honestly think I wouldn't take it personally?"

"The mutagen was messing with my head. I wasn't thinking straight."

Raph scoffed. "Excuses. Lies to make me follow you again. You're dangerous, Slash. But not for long."

He threw the vial at Slash, only for someone to shoot it out of the air. They turned to see Herman, a smoking rifle protruding from his metal shell, standing on the porch.

"Can't let you do that!"

"Herman!" Slash objected. "It ain't safe! Get back inside!"

"Sir, no sir! You saved me! I'm returning the favor!"

Raph blinked. "Saved you? He's using you! Just like he used me!"

"I bailed him out of Stockman's lab," Slash told him. "Bradford would've killed him if I hadn't been there."

Raph gritted his teeth. "Why should I believe a damn thing you say?"

"Because he's telling the truth."

Raph turned, seeing his siblings and Kagome descending from the roof. In Hisako's stead was Leatherhead, who eyed Slash warily.

"You followed me?" he managed.

"Did you really think we'd let you run loose all wild and angry without a chaperone?" Kagome asked matter-of-factly.

"Last time we let one of our sibs do that, buildings were demolished," Mikey added.

"You…" Leatherhead growled at Slash.

"Guys, look…" Slash took a deep breath. "I wasn't right in the head the last time we met. It was the mutagen. I'm not asking you to forgive me. I just want you to understand."

"Bullshit!" Raph snapped.

"Raph, enough," Leo cut in. "We all know that if Slash wanted to take us out, he would just do it."

"He wouldn't make it through the first blow," Leatherhead spat.

"He's teamed up with Hob, Leo!"

"I'm pretty sure Hob is the farthest thing from a threat after what Hisako did to him," Vee pointed out.

"He isn't," Slash confirmed. "We've been working together to save Krang's test subjects. Keep mutants safe."

"It's true," Ace stepped out of the building, getting their attention. "I'm Ace. One of Krang's human test subjects. That exploding warehouse you heard about on the news was the outpost Slash saved me from."

"So you've been saving people all this time," Vee realized.

"When I came back to my senses, I realized how bad I'd screwed up," Slash told them. "I wanted to make up for it. I hurt all of you." He turned to Raph. "Especially you. You took me in that day I was flushed in the sewer, gave me a home... and I repaid you with a knife in the back as soon as I mutated. My single greatest regret is betraying you, Raphael."

Raph still looked torn, battling between his anger and his grief for his pet.

"Listen to him, kid," Hob had emerged by this point. "I swear, it's always 'Raphael this' or 'Raphael that'. Keeps going on and on about that Bushido stuff."

"Raph?" Leo asked.

Raph looked among the mutants, then slowly he unclenched his fists. "You're really trying to be better... aren't you?"

Slash nodded. "I am."

"I believe him." Leatherhead chimed in, having visibly relaxed.

A few moments passed before Raph slowly approached Slash.

"We can't change the past, Spike," he said. "But we can learn from it, be better. If these guys are backing you up, there's no reason for me not to do the same."

He held out a fist. Slash smiled, taking the offered bump.

"C'mon. I'll show you around."

He led them all inside.

"My old gang left me not long after Snake did," Hob explained. "Haven't had much use for this place aside from housing whatever mutants Slash bails out."

"Hey, Hob!" a familiar voice called. "Where's the bread?"

Leatherhead blinked. "Was that… Pigeon Pete?"

Slash nodded. "I found him hanging out in a rooftop pigeon coop with a bunch of normal birds."

Pete came in at that. "I was chatting with my cousin Jimmy. I hadn't seen him in a long time. Slash talked me into coming here to stay off Krang's radar."

"Plus, he helps keep the roaches at bay," Slash added.

"They're tasty," Pete said. "But not as tasty as bread!"

Hob tossed him some bagels. "Yeah... I'll admit this place has seen better days. But it's the least likely place Krang's goons would think to look."

"Sounds like you guys could use some help," Kagome offered.

"We don't wanna be a charity case," Slash said. "No offense, Kagome."

Kagome waved a hand. "None taken."

"What about a sponsorship?" Leo offered. "We can get you in touch with TCRI. I'm sure Mortu can help you out."

"That good Utrom guy?" Slash blinked. "Why would he help us?"

"We all have a common enemy in Krang." Vee pointed out.

"Yeah, and if anyone understands second chances, it's Mortu," Kagome added.

"I suppose it can't hurt to try," Hob mused.

Leo nodded. "Then let's go."

At TCRI, the Turtles explained the situation to Mortu, Hob and the Mutanimals sitting off to the side.

"We were hoping you'd be willing to help them out," Leo told him.

"They're a little rough around the edges, but they mean well," Raph assured Mortu.

"I see," Mortu mused. "Well, I would be happy to lend my support where I can."

"I would like to help as well," said Leatherhead. "Protecting my fellow mutants... it is a cause worth pursuing."

"Ain't gonna turn down a powerhouse like you," Hob decided.

"Agreed," said Slash.

"You have our vote," Leo agreed. "Somebody's gotta keep these two in check."

"All you need now is a name for your team." Mikey declared.

Slash rolled his eyes. "Why am I not surprised?"

Ace raised an eyebrow. "I take it this is a thing with him?"

"Oh yeah," Vee confirmed. "He gets upset if he's not allowed to name things."

"Trust us on that," Donnie chimed in.

Mikey looked each member up and down.

"Let's see... mutant animals…" he looked at Ace. "Mighty duck…" His eyes fell on Slash and Leatherhead. "Emphasis on mighty…" He snapped his fingers. "Got it. From this day forth, you're the Mighty Mutanimals!"

After a minute, Slash shrugged. "Eh, I guess it'll work."

"The Mighty Mutanimals," Mortu repeated. "I see potential there."

Back at the lair, the group had settled back down around the couch, telling Splinter what had happened as Hisako ate a bowl of chicken soup.

"Well, the vial of retro-mutagen I made was busted," Donnie concluded. "But no biggie, Dad. I'll have a new batch ready before long, and-"

Splinter waved a hand, dismissing it. "That will not be necessary, Donatello."

Donnie perked. "Wait, are you sure?"

Splinter nodded. "I appreciate all that you have done, but I am content with what I have become. My human life ended fifteen years ago. I have made peace with that. This is my home, and you seven are my family."

Hisako smiled. "Awww… Dad…"

"Then…" Mikey began, "you're fine with never being Hamato Yoshi again?"

"I am Hamato Yoshi, regardless of my outward appearance," Splinter clarified. "Kasumi made sure I knew that."

In his stronghold, Shredder was seated in his throne room when an ominous buzzing sound reached his ears. He narrowly jumped out of the way of a jet of acid spewing his way, dissolving his throne.

"Shredder…" Stockman crawled down the wall, glaring at the evil ninja with his red compound eyes.

"Stockman, I presume?" Shredder asked.

"Yezzz…" Stockman buzzed. "How fitting you recognizzze your own handiwork."

"My handiwork?" Shredder raised an eyebrow. "Surely you're mistaken, Stockman."

Stockman scowled. "Mizzztaken?! You detonated the mutagen collar! It's your fault I'm a hideouzzz, hairy-legged monzzzter!"

"No, no," Shredder shook his head. "It was all the Turtles' fault, don't you remember?"

Stockman hesitated. "What? The Turtlezzz? But they were nowhere near the lab when…"

"Have you forgotten the turtle that destroyed your lab? The one who made off with your crab mutant? They were the ones who brought about this transformation. They were the ones who turned you into this. They are your enemy, not me."

Stockman paused thinking over what happened, and Shredder's words.

"Yezzz…" He managed. "Of course. Ever since they came into my life, it has been one disaster after another. It's their fault I'm a filthy, disgusting bug!"

"Yes," Shredder agreed. "They deserve to suffer for the indignities they've caused you. The humiliations you've had to endure. Continue to serve me, and you will have your revenge."

"Yezzz, master," Stockman bowed to him.

Unbeknownst to the two, Karai was outside the throne room and overheard everything. She turned away from the door, conflicted over everything she had just heard her father say to the mutant fly.

Author's Note:

Now we have the beginning of the Mighty Mutanimals, and Hob's character development. And yeah, one difference from our original version: Slash is more sympathetic and calm.

As for Stockman's mutation, I have three words: Shredder… you bastard.

Ace Conrad, aka Ace Duck, originated in the original 1987 toy line, and his story here is based on that. Herman comes from the IDW comics.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Ace - Travis Willingham (Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist, Portgas D. Ace from One Piece, Guile from Street Fighter IV onward, Knuckles in Sonic Boom, Harvey Dent in Batman: The Telltale Series)

* Herman - Quinton Flynn (Lea/Axel in Kingdom Hearts, Raiden in Metal Gear, Marcus Damon in Digimon Data Squad, Isaaru in Final Fantasy X, Iruka Umino in Naruto, Kon in Bleach)

Please R&R. Until next time!