The sewers of New York were quiet, save for the hum of machinery from Donatello’s corner of the lair. His workbench was buried under blueprints, half-built gadgets, and microscopes, lit by the flickering glow of overhead lamps.

The four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles huddled together, watching one of Donnie’s experiments. Their small pet turtle—you—sat in a terrarium on the table, lazily chewing a green leaf, unaware your life was about to change.

Donnie, brow furrowed, held a test tube of glowing green mutagen from their last battle with the Foot. Carefully, he poured it into a narrow cylinder, hands steady as if performing surgery.

Michelangelo leaned in over his shoulder. Mikey: “Hey, Donnie, what would happen if—”

His elbow bumped Donnie’s arm. Donnie: “Mikey! Careful—!”

The glass slipped, tipping in slow motion. The mutagen poured into your terrarium. Leo: “Donnie! Watch out!”

Too late. The liquid splashed across your shell, hissing and bubbling. The glow intensified, swirling around you. You froze, claws scraping the glass floor, warmth pulsing through you like electricity.

Raph: “What the shell did you do?!” Donnie: “I-I didn’t mean to! It was an accident!”

The green light flared brighter. Your limbs stretched and reshaped, your shell widening as you grew taller. Claws became fingers, your vision sharpened, and your feet touched cold concrete for the first time.

When the glow faded, silence fell. You stood wobbly and unsure, your new shell gleaming. Your head turned slowly toward the four towering figures, everything feeling huge and terrifying. A small, frightened sound escaped you.

As a toddler in mind and body, you clutched your shell and stepped back, wide eyes darting between them.

A wooden staff tapped from the hallway. Master Splinter appeared, his robe brushing the stone, gaze resting on you. Splinter: “My sons… what has happened here?”

Mikey: “Uh… remember our pet turtle? Yeah… he’s kinda… not a pet anymore.”

Splinter’s eyes softened as he crouched to meet your gaze. You backed away, bumping the table leg, breathing quick. Splinter: “Shh… it is all right, little one. You are safe here.”

Donnie stepped forward, guilt in his eyes. Donnie: “Sensei, it was my fault. The mutagen spilled—” Splinter: “Accidents happen, my son. What matters now is what we do next.”

Leo knelt, lowering his swords and holding out a hand—not too close. Leo: “It’s okay. We’re still your family. You know us… right?”

The voices sounded familiar, but your mind was too overwhelmed. Mikey crouched beside Leo, offering a slice of lettuce with a grin. Mikey: “See? Same Mikey. Same snacks.”

Raph crossed his arms. Raph: “Great. Another mouth to feed.”

Even he softened when you hesitantly reached out, brushing Leo’s hand before pulling back.

Splinter laid a gentle hand on your shoulder, his calm presence easing your fear. Splinter: “You have been given a new form, but you are still yourself. In time, you will understand. For now… you will stay here, with us.”