Hollow pipes, metal walls, cold machines, and people in pure white lab coats who wore masks of indifference, but inside they were terrified. Their every move was being strictly monitored by cameras from every possible corner, recording their action and every emotion. So that nobody or…in fact nothing would try to do anything beyond suspicious or worse, escape.
What has been described to you is an ecology lab that has been taken over by a madman. It desired nothing more than for mankind to be dropped to their knees, begging for mercy and cowering in fear before his very name.
A man who is in fact not a man but a monster warped in cold, steel armor matching his soul and carries a red devilish glare in his eyes. Those who dare to utter his name would leave a bad taste in their mouth.
The Shredder was what he called himself – a rather fitting name for a villain who has no sense of morality for humankind.
Shredder is the leader of a secret organization of ninja called The Foot Clan that seek to take control of the city through criminal activity.
His empire is functioning at its peak this very night in the eco lab.
Yes, at this moment, his plan was falling into place with a hostile takeover in the world's finest lab research facilities. They were experimenting on animal science to create an unlimited mass amount of humanoid mutated species, a plan that will desolate the city and the world on his very command.
'A sick plot', the scientist would claim, but had no choice in the matter.
The Shredder had high connections that allowed him to abuse his authority, by using illegal substances' to infuse with a ration of animals from mammals such as monkeys and rabbits to reptiles and insects, conjuring them into monster weapon minions into an unstoppable Army of Mutants.
The hired scientists' slaved day and night, figuring out what sorts of chemicals the animals would best react to.
If it failed it would be very, very costly indeed.
The expensive product they recently bought is known as Mutagen, a chemical proxy that changes the genetic material in DNA of an organism.
The chemical is rare and the source unknown, but has been said to increase the normal ability above an animal's instinct - its senses and muscle strength would be close to ten times stronger than a human's.
If careless, there can be a 'spontaneous mutation' which is occurred due to errors in their DNA to cause the mutated animals to grow malignant cells and likely die.
It was not contagious, but fatal.
Should it kill more than a group of experiments daily, it would cost a tremendous amount of research money imputed by the governments funding to go down the toilet. The consequence would not only be the scientists' job or reputation, but also be life in prison as this was top secret information at stake here.
Failure was not an option to these brilliant minds.
Each experiment was labeled and placed into isolation cages where they are injected with mutagen and observed through a tinted window on how it would affect the subject.
Long days became tiring months, and finally success!
The reaction started showing from a group of insects and reptiles that were placed in different clear cubicles. All had begun developing muscular deformities in their limbs and grew almost five times its original size.
The reptile's tail, claws, and teeth were enlarged by the Mutagen serum. The highest reptile in height reached about six feet and insects grew about the size of a big dog.
"Excellent! A success at last!" one of the scientists said "The chemicals from the mutagen finally evolved the subjects into humanoid mutations!"
"Observe the offspring's progress," one female scientist ordered "if the mutagen took effect on these subjects, then the chemicals should work on them too!"
With a nod, three scientists left to volunteer on examining the chamber that held the baby mutants.
However, one particular mutant fly began pounding itself on the glass it was captive in. The reptiles didn't seem to respond much yet, but instead began walking around in their newly developed human-like legs. The scientists took their observation in awe, jotting down all their scientific information into the main computer system as this sort of information would go straight to Shredder.
Soon enough, the fly began banging forcefully that it caused one of the containers to form a small crack.
11:50 pm -Laboratory Egg Chamber
The three scientists who volunteered were Professor Chung I, Baxter Stockman and Phineas Filch,
Upon entering the chamber they inspected the hatched reptilian eggs that were kept inside large clear containers, some in large water filled containers.
Much to their surprise, they too were affected and formed dramatically by the mutagen successfully.
Chung I was particularly eyeing the turtle section, watching them crawl around aimlessly getting used to their newly mutated bodies. He looked down at the large glass container full of turtles and observed them closely.
His eyes narrowed behind the glare of his dark-rimmed glasses, a sudden pressure was felt at pit of his stomach.
Knowing full well that his job was to obey to the Shredder's plan and take orders, regardless of emotions. Yet, he couldn't help but feel the guilt with remorse glazed on his eyes.
'Such unfortunate souls,' Chung I thought frowning, 'innocent creatures of nature that will be turned into monsters because of an uncontrollable greed of a sinful madman!'
The more he thought about it the more he couldn't stand being in this place any longer. He felt he had to do something, anything.
The other two scientists that accompanied with him were seemingly observing the specimens, writing down things about such and such.
"Professor Chung I", Filch called out walking over to him, "Have the experiments mutated well in this section?"
Chung I cleared his throat awkwardly, "Uh, yes. Yes, they have successfully mutated quite well professor." His mouth opened to say more, but then became dry. He felt it wasn't his place to say more than he could.
Filch noticed his colleague looked a bit pale and unstable, "Something wrong, Chung I?" his eyes narrowed,
Chung I's breath hitched a bit, having a moment to think about his words carefully. He looked around to make sure he wasn't being recorded as they were being monitored every second of the day.
"This." He gestured, "What we are doing is...is inhumane." He whispered carefully, while looking down, clenching his fists trying to suppress the rising anger in him. He wasn't one to share his inner most thoughts to anyone until now, however he felt the need to.
Filch was an odd man in his ways, he grew to love science as much as anybody who worked there. But here was something devious about him, either the sneer in his smile or the glint of pride that said it all in his eyes as he glanced at the newly mutated turtles in their confinement.
Six of them were embodied into the form you would recognize as what a human baby would normally act but they were still animals. Green scales, two toed feet, cold skin, hard shells, thick pointed tails, it shouldn't make any difference compared to the treatment the scientists were getting.
"They're just animals, Chung I. We can't do more to help than they do themselves." he whispered roughly to Chung I. He felt a hostile vibe coming from him or perhaps they were both just tired.
Soon the three scientists began walking out of the chamber to inform the offspring's progress. Chung I then suddenly felt a chill down his spine and stopped in his tracks to take one more look at the mutated animals.
His gaze specifically eyed a baby turtle that was leaning against the glass container looking directly at him.
This one stared with big chocolate brown eyes and made a coo sound before crawling back to its brothers and sisters in the container.
Chung I gave a weak smile and left the area with a heavy heart.
Midnight - Experiment laboratory
Surely the mutagen's success would most definitely please the Shredder.
The scientists then began adding the Mutagen serum to every animal subject they owned in the laboratory. After witnessing the success of the tested animals, they began to eject every animal that was in their caged cubical.
The injected animals began to show signs of instant growth, showing signs of more success from the mutagen.
The serum not only took effect on the animals' strength but on their intelligence level as well.
The fly that continued to bang on its glass cage, the others saw this and began copying the same. The scientists were too busy gathering as much information to transfer to Shredder. The animals continued to pound in their containers with their newfound strength and with each attempt made the newly formed crack on the tinted glass bigger and bigger.
With their combined weight, the large insects and reptiles broke through with a big crash causing the main alarm to go off!
The scientists stopped their observations, gasping in utter terror!
"Activate the emergency doors! Call out the guards! They must not escape!" one scientist yelled
The insects then unsheathed their large wings and begun flying all over the place looking for a way to open air.
The room turned red as panic filled the air. The mutated reptiles made their way out of the confinement, aggression bare in their teeth, hissing and clawing their way out against the scientists and reinforcements who tried and stop them.
Back with Chung I, he was lost in thought as he walked back to the main lab with his colleges when they heard the loud alarm take place as the computer's intercom came on,
"Warning. Warning. All specimen containers have been discharged. Warning. Warning."
They then saw a large group of scientists run their way down the hall,
"The mutants! They've all gone rampant!" one of the said out of breath and dashed out with the others finding a safe place to hide.
Then a giant explosion came from the main experiment room that held the mutated animals. Consumed in the explosions fire and smoke, the mutants erupted from all rooms.
Most of the scientists ran to the exit to escape but it was barricaded, as they shouted in horror out to be let out. Chung I was able to recuperate from the sudden explosion witnessing the chaotic scene before him.
'The explosion came from the control room, that means the cameras should be out' he thought, grunting in slight pain from a bruise he felt forming in his leg but was still able to walk.
He then made a mad dash to the egg chamber he just came out of to see if he can salvage some of the animals from belonging to Shredder's army.
Professor Filch, who hid behind a corner of a wall, watched as the chaos unfolded in front of him. He smirked and walked the opposite way of the hall, hands in his pockets and let out a sinister chuckle.
"Excellent…" he said with calm face, even by the chaos and destruction of the lab, "Just I predicted." Filch then motioned his hand on a scanner that opened a hatched metal door and followed an exit that led him beneath the laboratory.
Chung I was strenuously made his way through the fire's smog, covering his mouth with his now tattered lab coat as to not to inhale the smoke's deadly chemical fumes.
Finally making it to the chamber, the place was a total wreck.
His first concern was to make sure he wasn't spotted. His plan was to rescue and escape with as many mutants as he can, before enforcement's showed up to claim back their experiments.
But as he searched he noticed all the animals were gone…except for one.
From all loose electric wires, he noticed something crawling weakly on the floor next to the broken glass container it fell from.
Chung I walked close with caution and saw it was a mutant baby turtle that had a bleeding gash on its right arm making loud whimper noises. Instinctively he took off his ragged lab coat and wrapped the shaking infant binding it tightly and picked it up as gently as he could as to not startle the creature.
He inspected it and noticed it was still breathing, but heavily.
Chung I then heard another explosion erupt just down the hall and realized he needed to get out fast. He heard loud gun shots, more screaming and a loud roar and howling.
Without a second thought Chung I who held injured baby mutant in his arms, dashed out of the room and tried to quickly find an exit of some sort.
It didn't take him long realize the exits were gated shut. He then took the long route and evading incoming security heading south to the escaped mutants. Chung I ran down the hallway and discovered one of the experiment rooms had a small window wide enough for a person to fit through. Outside there was a metal staircase that led down the five-story building.
Since the cameras were now offline and so was most of the security equipment it was a safe bet that the window could be opened without an alarm. Chung I grabbed a chair and climbed on, facing the window and just as he thought opened with ease feeling the cool outside breeze on his heated face.
It was a tight squeeze but was able to make it out with the baby mutant and climbed down the metal staircase as he thanked his lucky stars.
It was very cold night as Chung I continued to sprint down the street. Puffs of hot air escaped his mouth, breathing hard still holding the infant mutant that was now wrapped around with his lab coat tightly in his arms.
He constantly kept looking over his shoulder, hoping nobody would be willing to follow him.
Within the lab all the commotions of raging gun shots, sirens that echoed so loud you could hear it pounding in your chest. Even while he ran he could still hear the faint echoes, sending a chill through his body.
His legs began to burn from running so fast, the new bruise didn't help either as he felt air from his lungs leaving him. He came across a corner in an empty alley way and hid there to catch his breath.
Chung I turned back making sure the coast was clear. He checked in on the baby turtle, gently opening the tattered lab coat, the mutant baby gazed back at him with big chocolate brown eyes.
He inspected to see if the turtle had any serious injuries and spotted a large scar on its right arm and below its upper left leg covered in dry blood. He figured it wasn't life-threatening, and its body was healing itself already.
The turtle began to shake from a cold breeze that brushed against them, tightly wrapping the little mutant again. Chung I looked around to make sure the coast was clear again and made his way to his duplex apartment just a few blocks away.
It didn't take long until he arrived to his part of building but then cursed at himself in Chinese as he forgot his keys back at the lab.
Frustrated with all he has been through tonight, Chung I then retorted to breaking into his own home by kicking the glass of a window that led to the kitchen. Luckily he forgot to set his alarm before he left his house the last time.
He managed to find the light switch in the dark and turned them on. Chung I scanned his small home, it was clean, small and lifeless. Just as he had left it for the past week and a half since he'd been called up for work and assigned at the lab. Work was exclusive and they hardly let anybody go home, he thanked the heavens that he managed to escape with his life.
Unfortunately, he was well aware that he needed to leave the city or He would come looking for him, and the mutant he snatched away from the lab.
Chung I shook that horrid thought of his head and settled in.
While he finally got some good lighting in his apartment he was able to observe the mutant more, placing the baby turtle wrapped in his cloak on his couch.
The turtle was a pure lime-green colored Pond Slider, and it was petite for its specie so he knew it was a female turtle. Cautiously, he slowly removed the dirty lab coat placing a dry, fresh towel for it to lie down on trying not to wake it. He fetched his first aid kit from the kitchen cabinet to clean off its dry wounds.
He grabbed a small pair of metal tongs and a wad of cotton dabbing into a bit of alcohol and swabbed its right arm first.
While doing so the mutant turtle stirred in its sleep and slowly opened those big brown eyes Chung I recognized. It started making that loud whimper cry at the stinginess of the alcohol's effect. Chung I began to panic a little, his experience with children was not his forte. In this case he relied on his instincts instead.
"It is going be okay… this, uh, this will make it all better now." Tripping over his words, Chung I felt ridiculous talking to a mutant experiment like this but shrugged it off. The reptile was just a baby, defenseless and weak.
The mutant continued to whimper relentlessly. Chung I tried to figure a way to calm the baby turtle down somehow.
'It is a baby after all, what do babies like?' he thought aloud,
He searched his brain trying to think, and remembered a small lullaby his mother used to sing him when he was a boy back in China. Maybe the song will calm it down, and tried his hand at it hoping to remember most of the lyrics and began to softly sing in Chinese;
"dào tiān míng bù gǎn qù shuì
dān xīn nǐ hàn liú jiá bèi
kàn zhù nǐ kěài dào liú lèi
wàng jì le zì jǐ pí bèi,
bǎo bèi bǎo bèi ài nǐ yī bèi
bù qiú nǐ yǒu shěn me zuò wèi
jiàn kāng kuài lè gěi nǐ zāi péi
zhǐ quí nǐ wèn xīn wú kuì...
jiāng jiāo ér bào zài huái xīn suān nán le
wèi niáng wǒ yǒu huà duì nǐ yún..."
As he finished the last verse, he also finished adding the rubbing alcohol to both wounds and wrapped its scaly skin with bandages.
The lullaby seemed to have worked. The small mutant had its eyes closed breathing deeply as it entered into a peaceful nap.
Chung I sighed a shaky breath of relief.
After he finished putting away the first aid kit, he prepared himself a hot cup of black coffee. He dressed into something more comfortable and looked over at the piles of newspapers he brought in from his front door step catching up on local news.
His rough hand brushed back his dark hair, not even the news distracted him. His mind relentlessly continued to reply everything that just happened tonight.
What was he thinking?
How could he possibly take in something as delicate as, this? Something that is an abomination to nature! Why he couldn't even have a pet goldfish live for more than a week!
Chung I's job as a scientist was not sought out into making what was now lying on his couch. However, he knew he couldn't just leave the poor creature to die, he just couldn't.
He rubbed his tired eyes under his glasses as his mind was unconsciously replaying everything that happened and back to where he sat now. Chung I never would have never imagined his fate having come to this.
He grabbed his hot coffee and hovered over the mutant he had just put to sleep. When his only job was to help inject a chemical serum that successfully mutated hundreds, maybe even thousands of animals, he felt a pang of guilt hit his lower gut, knowing he was partially responsible for this mess.
His eyes darted away from the mutant and took a seat on the far corner of the couch next to it, sipping his hot caffeine while rubbing his neck anxiously trying figure out what to do next.
Chung I had always been fascinated by science and biology, but he knew his job took it to another level.
Slowly, he looked down at the sleeping turtle quietly suckling its little green thumb.
Chung I's heart melted.
Although he admitted he was a bit glad he didn't help rescue more than one experiment. One was all he could seem to handle. Even then, he knew he had to keep his job and this turtle a secret.
Chung I started to get a headache with all this stress and thought of something else to keep his mind off of it.
Glancing back down at the sleeping turtle, he figured he should give it a name. He couldn't just call it "turtle" all the time.
He placed his coffee on the small table next to the couch as his mind began making a mental list of possible names he could use.
For starters it is a female turtle, "I should give you a worthy name that will suite you...but what?" He began thinking aloud to himself,
"How about something that shows how strange and lovely you are something that gives off a good vibe. Like 'Su' hmmm, no… 'Jin' or 'Mei'" His mind made a mental click on that name.
"Mei…" The sound of that name made him smile. He always had the intentions of getting married with a beautiful woman and raising a family together, though his career took most of that away from him.
"Mei…" and his mind drifted again, "Pieh…" which literally meant turtle in Chinese and finished it off with "Chi" meaning of course energy.
"Mei Pieh Chi"
As a Chinese man he thought it sounded very different yet charming.
It roughly meant "beautiful energy" a meaning that this turtle gave Chung I. A feeling of hope through his turmoil of today and thought it fitted perfectly!
With that minor detail out of the way, he tucked her in with the same towel that was under her, placing it over her body to keep her nestled in.
Chung I retorted back to his living conditions, him and his new guest couldn't stay here. There was no telling what the Shredder would do to go looking for stray mutants in the area. Since he was fortunate enough to escape, he will no doubt stick out like a sore thumb when they discover a missing scientist in the lab.
No, he couldn't go back to working for Shredder any more, and less on giving Mei up.
"Mei..." he chuckled when he repeated her name again. Chung I placed a comforting hand on the turtle's shell. Even though he went through the trouble of saving her, he knew somehow fate designed it to be this way, and didn't regret it from this point on.
Mei then began to stir in her sleep, snuggling next to her savior seeking warmth with his body heat.
Chung I's eyes softened at the sight, and responded by wrapping his arms around her.
He made up his mind.
He would need to pack his things and move back to China with Mei. Surely going back to his roots would be something his soul needed right now.
"If we cannot stay here then we shall go back to my home in Shang-Hai…back to China" he whispered softly to her.
And with that he turned off all the lights again and fell asleep on the couch with his new 'adoptive' child and sang the lullaby again softly once more before he too fell into a deep sleep.
Seven years later
Airport Terminal: Manhattan, New York
It was a busy hot spring day in the middle of May and the sun was scorching with no clouds in sight to find refuge in the heat.
"Flight 146 has arrived at the station." The intercom echoed through inside the steely, air-conditioned airport terminal.
A rather unusual pair came off from Flight 146 carrying the few luggages' they carried. An aged gentleman and next to him a small child wearing a variety styles of clothes covered from head to toe carrying a backpack.
The two joined in the bustling crowds and swerving the traffic of people until they got outside the airport meeting the heat wave of early spring waiting for a taxi cab.
The small child wearing her winter clothes looked with big brown eyes asking, "Are we here now?" her small gloved hand still clasped around his.
Although it was a strange choice of attire to wear, considering the weather conditions were too warm and people tended to stare a little here and there.
"Not quite, Mei" his voice carried a noticeable accent, he wore a brown trouser suit, and his rimmed glasses reflected the sun's glare.
The small girl called Mei continued to look ahead of this new place. It was so busy and they were only in the airport! She couldn't imagine what else the city her father had mentioned had in store for her.
After they made their way outside, without a moment to spare their cab arrived.
"Where to mista'?" asked the cab driver,
"Bay Ridge, please" as the two go inside with their belongings and buckled up,
"You got it, boss." Adjusting the mirror and drove off to his customer's locality.
Mei figured the drive might take a long while and decided to sit near the window seat of the cab. She remained silent for the first few minutes of the ride, lost in thought.
Her adoptive father, Chung I, noticed this and wrapped his arm around her small shoulders startling the small girl out of her daze,
"Is something troubling you, Mei?" his voice was soft in concern, bringing his face to her level.
She looked up to meet his gaze and then down, she noticed her feet barely even reaching the floor of the car and dangled her legs.
"I'm ...I'm a little nervous" she confessed while fiddling with her light blue scarf. It had the faintest hint of sparkles on it, it was Mei's favorite, the color reminded her of the ocean, something she had always wanted to go visit. She had daydreamed to play in the hot sand and feel the cold salt water in her mouth, but she could never due to the fact she was...
"Everything will be alright Mei, you will see" Chung I said, smiling down at the child, he took out a newspaper he picked up at the airport's lobby and decided to spend his time reading until they reached their destination. Although she trusted her adoptive father's judgment, deep down Mei was still in doubt and looked out the window enjoying what she can of the scenery the city offered.
Now Mei wasn't just your average ordinary looking 'little girl'
But a turtle
A humanized genetic mutant experiment turtle, to be correct.
However the former working scientist Chung I saw beyond that. What others would perceive a freak mutation experiment he instead he saw a living breathing being who had just as much emotion as any regular child.
He took in Mei having no child of his own and he raised her as his own, giving her a name and a loving home.
Those seven years ago that he rescued her from the Shredder's master plan to take over the world had failed at the time. And since then Chung I hadn't heard from anyone about the incident until a few days ago.
Which is exactly the reason he came to New York City, he received a phone call from an ex-colleague of his explaining some loose ends needed to be tied or else.
Since Mei was only a baby she had been raised in the beautiful country side of China. She was permitted to venture out with her father into the city life. The only time he took her was on special occasions like festivals and a couple birthdays, even then she still had to hide her real self.
Reasons why the little mutant was covered up from head to toe to hid her scaly green skin and hard shell on her back. Even in the village she grew up in China, she had to stay indoors inside her father's house unless she wore covered clothing if she wanted to go out and play.
The cab suddenly drove by tall buildings that caught her attention, her expression widened when as she looked out the transparent glass window of the cab. So many different looking people and busy streets, she started to feel homesick.
Her mind was racing, waiting in the back seat for what seemed like hours until they arrived at their destination.
They arrived in front of a very nice looking hotel. The place was occupied with a fewer people, and it was near a portion of a harbor.
The two gathered their stuff getting out, as Chung I paid the driver and waited until the taxi drove far until he could no longer see them.
The little turtle turned her head sideways and up,
"Are we here now?" Mei curiously asked in a hushed tone,
"No, not yet" he playfully whispered back, smiling down at her.
Mei giggled, covering her nuzzle through her scarf, fixing the hood of her sweater she had on, so that only her brown eyes would show.
The two walked down the sidewalk passing people, and small stores selling furniture and antiques. Chung I stopped near a curb of what led to a quiet alley way, looking around checking to be sure nobody was looking suspiciously at them.
Mei stuck close to him, continuing to walk passing by garbage cans that reeked of sour leftovers and a pack of homeless rats scurrying away.
She gasped as her foot stepped on a cat's tail and screeched at her and scurried away hissing. She was only here a couple hours and already she didn't like this place, her nerves were beginning to get the best of her, tightening her grip onto Chung I's coat jacket.
Mei looked up saw that her father looked unafraid by what the alley had to offer. She admired how brave he looked and followed his example puffing up her chest and straightening her shoulders to look just as daring.
Chung I noticed from the corner of his eye and chuckled,
It didn't take long before the two stopped in front of an old rundown building that had broken glass windows as you can hear the faint sound of police sirens in the distance.
"A-are we here now?" she asked once again, swallowing any bit of fear she might have left,
Chung I then reached for a metal knob and opened the door that led them inside the old building causing dust to swim in the air and inside her lungs, coughing a bit out.
"Not exactly, but almost" he went inside first into the perpetual dimness, offering his hand to her, taking it, as they both went inside.
Mei didn't know why this place was so hidden, it was also too dark for her to see and clutched closer to her father, but tried to keep on a valiant face.
Chung I walked further in finding the building's basement. He opened it to reveal a set of stairs that eventually led them to an underground tunnel that had railroad tracks.
All Mei was told was that she would have the opportunity meet some new people who she'd have in common. She didn't know what that meant exactly but didn't question her father. Although now she was in this situation Mei could help but wonder why these people be so hidden away from the outside world. She didn't mutter the question to her father, troubled of what her answer will be.
They walked down in the middle of the tracks, the floor was damp with small pools of water dripping from broken pipe lines, there were a lot of cable wires on the walls and lamps were hung on ceilings leading the way.
Mei was focused on the end of the tunnel way, Chung I placed a palm behind her back,
"We are almost there, Mei", his voice echoed a bit reassuring her, he knew she didn't lonely creepy places, but he was here to protect her if anything happened.
The tunnel was endless as Chung I found another small staircase that led to a caged door. Chung I opened it noticing it unlocked and went inside offering a hand to Mei, taking a big gulp and she proceeded inside with him.
Entering inside, another tunnel was present before them; Mei grunted to herself and wondered how many more tunnels she had to go through until they actually reached this place, and pouted impatiently.
This one looked more like a manmade tunnel, there was dirt and wires and the floor was stamped with metal tiles.
While walking unbeknownst to her, at the end of the passageway there was a person waiting for them. A man in a khaki coat jacket, dark pants and shirt with a name threaded on the side of his coat pocket that read in cursive, "P. Filch"
His features were quirky, big nose, narrow face with wrinkled tan skin, he had a thin beard on his chin and a small mustache and held what Mei thought to be a sinister grin.
Right away this person gave her some bad vibes.
"Chung I, so nice to see you again after all these years" the man held his hand out to her father who did the same and exchanged greetings, "I'm glad you were able to make it. I was afraid your flight might have been delayed, otherwise I would've had to wait here all night." He chuckled
Chung I smirked halfheartedly
And then directed his attention toward his smaller guest and bent slightly down to her level,
"Ah, and this must be you're..." The sound of his loud voice startled the poor mutant girl
"Oh, yes, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Mei Pieh Chi. Mei this is Mister Phineas Filch, we were colleges in the same laboratory station before I moved back to China." he explained,
Although this might have been her father's friend, she huffed, crossing her arms.
"Now Mei, manners" Chung I said sternly. She wasn't well acquainted with the man and already she didn't like him. She uncrossed her arms, taking a polite bow to the man in front of her but still kept her unpleasant expression.
"Charmed, I'm sure. I see you've grown rather close to the mutant Chung I" Filch chuckled faintly, his fingers fidgeted together and cleared his throat,
"Now on to business, right this way if you please."
Mei narrowed her eyes. He labeled her as a 'mutant', something she wasn't fond of admitting. Now she officially didn't like Mr. Filch.
Filch then led them to an elevator.
He pressed a few digits, and sliced his I.D card and the doors automatically opened,
"Company first" he insisted,
The elevator had a basic look to it, the side of the wall doors were transparent fiber glass. Chung I walked in first along with Mei as Filch then accompanied them inside,
He then proceeded to insert the same digits he did before and the elevator began steadily descending.
Mei started to get excited but anxious
She pulled her father's shirt coat catching his attention and he leaned down as she whispered in his ear,
"Can I close my eyes so I can be surprised?"
Chung I couldn't help but smile to her innocence and whispered back to her "If that is what you wish"
Mei smiled and covered her eyes waiting to be surprised by the place she'd been waiting to see since she arrived in America. Mei wanted this to be a surprise for herself so she thought it'd be more fun this way.
About five minutes passed until the elevator made a complete stop, a loud beep was heard and the doors opened,
"Now can I open them?" asked Mei, while Chung I was guiding her to watch her step.
"Alright, now" he said to her,
The little mutant turtle opened her big brown eyes and awed as she looked below her seeing a vast space that looked to be miles, and miles far and high.
It was an underground city.
Although the features were very cave like, the place had huge pillars holding up the tall ceiling sheltering many highways that went in every direction leading to different buildings. It was dim lighted having lamp posts at every corner and the only bit of light source came from a strange natural glow that came from the cave, and there were a variety of buildings that were clung on the dirt walls with the aroma of lagoon water was strong.
What caught her by surprise was that she saw a variety of mutants that occupied the space.
She saw different animal mutants walking, crawling, and even swimming, like a thriving society hidden away from above. I guess this must be what her father meant by finally being with her kind.
An honest man would probably fear for his life upon entering a place like this. Her mind wondered what other secrets her father kept from her.
"I'd like to welcome you to the 'Central Courtyard' or as I'd personally call it the mutant haven" Filch proudly stated,
Mei winced at the term 'mutant' again.
Filch led them to the main bridge that was built to follow towards the main building. Mei looked down from the high bridge seeing the mutants walking and noticed how high they were and felt a little dizzy,
"Chung I" Filch suddenly stopped with his hands in his coat jacket, "if it's not too much to ask I'd like to have a private word with you. How about we let your …Mei explore the courtyard to her liking?"
Mei tugged on Chung I's shirt coat again,
"Do I have to?" she asked, hoping not to go alone in this,
Before Chung I could answer Filch interrupted,
"It's alright, my dear. These mutants are harmless, why they wouldn't hurt a fly considering some are," chuckling to himself, "And not to worry I monitor them 24/7. So try not to cause mischievous trouble." He stated eloquently to the naive child,
Chung I eyed Filch oddly, but decided not to argue in front of Mei.
Mei's perspective slightly changed, maybe meeting other mutants like her wouldn't be too bad.
"Go on Mei, I will meet up with you once I am done speaking to Mr. Filch, will you be alright?" he asked
Mei thought for a moment and wanted to be brave for her father and took up the offer.
"Yes, I'll be ok." she said with a smile,
"The entrance toward the courtyard is through those stairs. Watch your step." Filch advised, and she scurried off to the stairs that led down to the mutant environment to take a gander around.
Chung I watched her until he could no longer see her, praying she'd stay safe and out of trouble.
"Now, Chung I this way if you please." Filch said and the two made their way into the building to discuss business matters.
Mei trotted along the pathway that led to the mass crowd of 'mutant civilians', she wasn't fond of the term 'mutant' but decided against it since that was really what they were.
Mei awed at the splendor, feeling a sense of strange comfortableness. She walked with curiosity and gazed at every nook and corner with wonder as if she was at a toy store.
The place was lit with their lanterns, lamps and hanging bulbs that attracted a lot of the liking of mutant mosquitoes and other flying insects.
She hadn't noticed the buildings were small food places for them to eat, and resting places for them to sleep in.
She couldn't believe the crowds of mutants. The hustle and bustle and most of all the noise everywhere assaulting her senses, mutants were talking in all sorts of weird languages and you could hear the constant sound of water rushing from a far.
Maybe she'd find someone like her! Just the thought of playing with a mutant her age made her stomach flutter in excitement.
Mei was dazed with all the commotion, she accidentally smashed into a large, and rather slimy surface that made her fall back on her shell,
"HEY!" the thing yelled, "watch where you're walking!" an exceptionally deformed mutant worm stood what Mei could tell buildings tall! The mutant had oily skin and his body limbs were deformed in all sorts, his eyes popped out wiggling and eyed the little mutant turtle that was still in her full winter garments.
"Was it you!" his voice was piercing and unpleasant that made poor Mei winced in fright, shaking where she was,
"I-I wasn't-"
"You bump into me again you little runt and I'll make sure you're sorry!" he shouted right in her face, as poor Mei was close to tears.
Suddenly a can was thrown to the mutant worm's head to get his attention,
"OW!" he screamed some more and growled, "Who threw that!?"
"Leave her alone!" yelled a shrill voice,
"Wha-!" he shouted back
"Over here,ugly!" another tin can was thrown at him as Mei looked up to see a small figure jumped down and landed in front of Mei as she took a good look at her supposed rescuer,
It was another mutant. It looked to be fairly about Mei's height and age.
The other mutant was an odd looking one; pistachio colored skin, greasy short black hair falling against its webbed ears, wearing a tattered cloak, having amphibian qualities; two toed arched feet, four webbed fingered hands curled into fist in front - and a tail that had transparent webbed gills on the tip.
The only similarity between this mutant and Mei was that she was also a girl too.
"You bully! Pick on somebody who's ugly like you!" She spat to the worm that yelled at Mei.
"Why you little brat! The name's Wyrm and it'll be the last name you hear once I-" before the mutant worm charged for the two younger mutants, raising his deformed arm up to strike at them, something, or rather someone stopped his arm midway by a wooden staff.
The two little mutants guarded themselves for impact but felt nothing. They looked up to see someone tall overshadowing them,
"You lay a finger on those two children and you will see to it that I will show you the consequences, Wyrm" a deep throated voice that had an African accent warned him,
The mutant worm's mouth drooled with acidic saliva and hissed at the mutant that stopped him.
It was a mutant Jaguar. He stood tall, having broad shoulders, firm muscles, and narrow black eyes, wearing a long loincloth and wraps around his arms and ankles. He was just as tall as the worm and held a wooden staff as his weapon.
"Who do you think you are pal!?" the worm spat and turned to punch him but hit thin air,
"I am afraid you are too slow, my friend" he shifted behind him and smacked him again on the head hard enough to give the worm an unbearable headache falling into a fettle position.
"Had enough?" he stood over the mutant worm, without saying another word the worm slinked out and scurried off into the distance.
The jaguar's gaze fell on the two mutant children,
"Are you two alright?" he asked gently, his presence gave them a warm vibe, shielding them as he stood over the two much smaller mutants.
"Hey I was doing just fine!" the strange little amphibian mutant spat, "I could've kicked his butt!" crossing her arms and pouted looking the other way,
"A small girl against that monster's height? I can imagine." patting the pouty girl's head, "How is your friend doing?" squatting down to their level,
She shrugged sluggishly while fiddling with the dirty rag she had wrapped around her shoulders.
The two were now looking at the young turtle, who held her hands together in front of her chest still in shock at what she just saw happen in a few seconds.
"Do you have a name?" the jaguar asked kindly,
Mei blinked out of her daze and bowed to the two mutants that saved her and were taken back by how formal she was,
"I-I'm so sorry. I-I didn't mean to make him mad" her voice shook, still in a bowing position, "My name is Mei." looking down shamefully,
"Pleased to meet you Mei, and do not worry. Wyrm is just a big bully." the mutant jaguar said,
"And ugly!" the amphibian mutant muttered angrily,
Mei looked up slowly and stood straight seeing they weren't angry with her like the other mutant.
"He'll get over it." he smiled back reassuring Mei, "I am Jagwar. I greet you in peace, I'm mostly known for my status in this place."
Mei looked at the strange mutant girl next to Jagwar, irritation printed on her face and walked closer to get a better look at her.
"Thank you for helping me against that …worm thing" giving a weak smile,
"Mm? Oh, uh, yeah I never liked that guy anyway." The strange mutant grunted,
Mei was fascinated by this other mutant however. She didn't look like any type of animal she'd ever seen. Plus, she looked to be about the same age too!
"Um...so what's your name?" Mei shyly asked her,
The question caught the strange mutant off guard, and looked at Mei from head to toe as if she had offended her.
"Nothing. I don't gots one!" She snapped all of a sudden while scratching her head as if the question was the stupidest question ever asked.
Mei was taken back, mostly at how someone who risked their life to a total stranger and then being sour about it. Or at least not even bothering to have a name,
"You don't?" Mei's voice went soft,
The strange mutant noticed and shook her head sneering at Mei,
"It's not like I need one!" and turned her arched heel, having her back facing Mei childishly.
Before Mei could ask her anything else, she heard her name being called out from afar,
"Mei!... Mei!"
She turned to see her father, Chung I, jogging towards the group.
"I've been looking everywhere for you, Mei." He said panting slightly holding his knees to catch his breath. He looked up to see two more mutants, "Ah, I see you've made new friends?" he asked.
"I think so" she said, quite happily clasping her hands together.
Chung I gave a small smile but then remembered what he came to tell to find Mei and his expression suddenly fell.
"Father? What is the matter?" Mei asked in concern placing her small, clammy palm on his hand,
"Father?" the smaller amphibian mutant called out, catching Mei and Chung I's attention.
Jagwar then placed a hand on the nameless mutant's small shoulder,
"Why don't we give them a moment" he said and guided her a few feet away from the two to talk in private.
Chung I kneeled before his daughter, Mei noticed something off about him. His usual warm smile was now a paled into a dry frown, his eyes looked worn from worry.
"Are you ok?" she asked
Chung I loved that about her. Always selfless and caring even for a child. But he stayed silent, hesitant to the news he was about to tell her, letting out a tired sigh
"Mei," his voice went hoarse clearing his throat and placing both his hands firmly on her shoulders, "You understand that I care for you very, very much. You know that don't you?"
Mei placed her gloved hand on his, "Yes? But what are-"
"I have to return to my work Mei" he said cutting off her question,
A brief silence hung over them. Mei didn't understand any of it.
"You will stay here"
"...what?" Mei felt the air in her lungs escape her now dry mouth she suddenly felt her heart sink to her stomach.
Her wide eyes began to sting gathering any leftover energy she had left to speak.
"Why? Why don't you want me anymore?"
Chung I closed the space between them hugging her tightly.
"No, no Mei. Don't you dare say that. I will always want you. But that is not at all the reason why…"
He felt her shake in his grasp as she tried her best to keep herself composed,
"Then why?" asking once more biting her lower lip
Chung I rubbed his eyes under his glasses. He didn't know how hard it was to say what he wanted to say.
"Mr. Filch and I... have come to an agreement to finish some work we started. I'm afraid I cannot take you with me on this trip" he explained,
"But I promise, my Mei, when I have a break from my work I will explain everything to you. And we will spend time to finally studying your favorite kung fu techniques, just like you've always asked me back in China." he added, hoping that would lift her spirits a little bit.
Mei had always admired the art of Kung Fu and its masters back in China. Even before, she would always ask Chung I to teach her since he himself used to be a student at an academy before he studied science, but he never had the time.
Still, something else was going on he wasn't telling her fully. Even though the promise he had made sounded great, it wasn't worth not seeing her father anymore.
"How long will you be gone?" she asked clutching her fists against her sides, fighting back the sting of her hot tears threatening to run down her face.
Chung I's gaze then diverted from hers - that was not the gesture she was expecting.
"That is undecided at the moment" he said with a heavy heart,
"But that is why, for the mean time, I would feel better if you stayed here. No longer hiding from your real self as I have done to protect you, and I see you have already made some friends. So you won't be alone." he said looking fondly at the two mutants who were standing not too far from them waiting on Mei.
She looked back as her eyes softened, he was right about that.
"But…when you come back, how will you know how to find me?" she gulped, "There are so many mutants here and I'm so small…" her gaze fell, feeling her tears welling up in her eyes.
Chung I hummed in thought.
An idea came to mind, he stared peeling off all the winter jackets she had on and placed them inside the backpack she had on. Leaving her bare with only with her favorite blue scarf tied around her neck. He then started wrapping it over her head. He tore two small holes for her eyes to see through, placing it over her head like a bandana and tied it with a small braid design to finish it off.
After he was done Mei fiddled with the work he had done,
"By wearing this, I'll easily know where you are." he answered, feeling his throat well up with sentiment.
Mei now fully realized her father was serious about leaving. She finally allowed her tears to flow out as she couldn't hold them back anymore. Mei crashed into her into a tight hug and began weeping loudly,
Chung I remorsefully returned the embrace with Mei burring her face into his shoulder. He really was going to miss her, but he knew their separation was only temporary. But it still hurt. For the first time during seven wonderful years they'd be apart from each other.
"Yào yǒnggǎn, wǒ de xiǎonǚ rěnzhě. Yǒngyuǎn bùyào wàngjì, wǒ huì yǒngyuǎn, yǒngyuǎn ài nǐ." He muttered to her almost in tears himself,
"Wǒ yě ài nǐ, bàba" she sobbed through her tears
Not far the two mutants Mei befriended stood looking at them with heavy hearts.
The strange little mutant bit her bottom lip as to not to sob herself, wiping at her nuzzle with a slight sniffle. From where she stood the two had shared the long hug for another minute as Chung I kissed Mei's cheek placing her clothes neatly inside her backpack she brought with her. He stood up, giving Mei a final goodbye and walked away.
Although it was hard to say goodbye, Mei knew this wasn't really goodbye and waved back seeing her father walk out alone and without her.
The strange little mutant took this chance and nudged up to Mei who was still clutching her belongings whipping the few tear stains that marked her light blue bandana over her head,
"You know…you don't look half bad with that thing over your head" She smiled to Mei, admitting the new style suited her.
After seeing Mei say goodbye, the little mutant's perspective on Mei changed, even as far as cheering her up who in return gave a small smile but stayed quiet.
Jagwar then walked up to the two children,
"Well now, I see you're stay is extended Mei." he said placing his hand over Mei's head receiving another small smile from her,
"Yeah! Looks like I'm stuck with you!" the strange little mutant said wrapping her arm under hers, almost dropping the backpack Mei held.
"After all, somebody's got to make sure you don't bump into anymore weirdoes" as the group shared a light-hearted laugh,
"Speaking of which," Jagwar answered, "I believe you are still in need of a name" eyeing the little raven-haired mutant,
"I don't need one!" She fumed, "Besides I have gotten along just fine without one!"
Mei then suddenly had an idea, opening again her backpack rummaging through her belongings and took out a heavy looking book, holding it out in front for the two to see.
"What's that box thing?" She asked raising a brow pointing at the unknown foreign object,
"You don't know? This is called a book!" Mei answered her excitedly,
"It's a history book I got from my father's library. It's in Chinese, but I can teach you how to read it" while happily scanning through the pages.
"Okay so what does that 'box book' thing have to do me?" She questioned,
"I'll find you a name from one of the famous people from here! Would you want to? It's the least I could do for you helping me today." She held the book open with a few pages hanging out. It held many random pictures of Chinese lettering, maps and old looking photos of many different humans wearing funny clothing.
The strange little mutant knitted her browns and cocked her head at the strangeness this book had.
"I believe that is an excellent idea, as a tribute to your new friendship." Jagwar inquired with a soft smile.
She eyed Mei and Jagwar as they waited eagerly for her answer, feeling a sense of awkwardness.
"Fine!" She blurted out giving in,
She took the book out of Mei's hands and randomly flipped the beginning pages of the book, scanning until she came across a picture of a tall lady, wearing many jewels and had black hair just like her,
"This one! What's this one's name?" she pointed,
Mei looked into the book seeing the picture and translated into the small biography,
"This lady? Her name was 'Cleopatra VII she was queen of ancient Egypt and-"
"That" the strange little mutant interrupted, "I want that to be my name!" she proudly said
"Cleopatra?" Mei asked, her new friend held her head high and nodded,
"Yeah! She has the same hair as me, and she's a queen! I like it."
Mei couldn't help but giggle,
"What's so funny!" She huffed,
"Okay, Cleopatra it is then" Mei said, and hugged her new friend joyfully.
The little mutant, now known as Cleopatra, felt something warm and fuzzy surround her body but was confused as she tried to pry Mei off of being weird.
Mei simply kept hugging her with great delight and couldn't help but feel happy. This would be the start of a beautiful friendship.
As Chung I was out of sight of Mei's sight, he reached the top of the bridge and looked down to see her smiling and walking away with her newly befriended companions, the corner of his lips stretched, a small smirk and a soft gaze was on his face in high spirits to finally see his daughter being herself around her kind.
From out of the shadow's entrance two figures appeared Filch and a large outline of a muscular man that stayed within the darkness spoke.
"Do we have a deal, Chung I?" a raspy, dark voice interrupted his blissful thoughts, now shattered.
Chung I let out a small gasp, not bothering turning to face these men. He continued to look down at the underground site while his mind was going 100 miles per hour.
"Chung I," Filch said losing his patience, "An answer. Now!"
That same feeling he had those seven years ago was happening again, like horrible déjà vu. The same tight chest sensation he had when he escaped had come back to haunt him.
It was like making a deal with the devil all over again.
But if he didn't agree to this, he would lose more than just his life as he could no longer see Mei in the distance anymore.
"Fine…" Chung I said letting out a shaky breath, and turned around to face Filch and…
"I will do as you say and help you. But, only if you promise to keep my daughter out of this project of yours…" Chung I glared,
The shadow figure's voice rumbled
"Very well. The mutant child will be safe. However, if you choose to fail me like you have those years ago, Chung I and I will personally make sure your daughter will be the first amongst many to become fully mutated into the animals they really are." The dark figure that was nothing but a shadow finally made his way into the light as Chung I gulped hard and took a step back.
Standing next to a smug Filch, stood a fully clad man in metal spiked armor his cruel glare was like a knife to Chung I, who did his best not to show his fear in front of this madman.
"Do I make myself clear, Chung I?" he spoke the last time, not wanting no for an answer.
"Yes, Zhǔ suì zhǐ jī" Chung I could no longer bare to look them in the eyes and bowed his head in shame.
"Good. Filch, accompany Chung I to the laboratory. We begin project Mutant Override, immediately." he said
"Yes of course, Master Shredder" Filch said giving a rather cynical look to a now regretful Chung I.
I'm going to be constantly editing this thing for the rest of my life i swear...
BTW I hope you all noticed that the character "Filch" is from the TMNT 80's episode series where Raph and Mona Lisa met on the cruise ship and he was the bad guy in that episode. I thought he'd make a pretty good antagonist for the beginning.
I'll try my best to not go Mary-sue or OOC crazy with my character. I'll only have one, the rest will be from the TMNT universe.
PLUS I know all or many of you really don't like the mutant turtle Mei Pieh Chi aka Venus De Milo from 'Next Mutation' series,
And I'm aware the series sucked but I have decided to make her more...tolerable in my story - so give it a chance, ok guys?
And I WILL introduce the guys and everyone and keep them up to date to the 2003 series universe.
This is only the beginning so there will be more about the mutants ;)
Also the translation from the Chinese dialogue:
-Chung I:"Be brave my little warrior. And never forget, I will always, always love you."
-Mei: "I love you too daddy"
-Zhǔ suì zhǐ jī = Lord Shredder (dun dun duunnn)
Any TMNT concept DOES NOT BELONG TO ME
- Gabzgirl xoxo