From The Shadows || TMNT 2012 FanFiction (BOOK 1)

Prologue

16 years ago...

     "As far as we know, she's terminal," a doctor says, one of Takao's friends, "We haven't seen anything like this before. I don't know if anyone has."

     "Just let me help," Takao mutters. "Let me figure it out."

     "You know this hospital's policy, Takao."

     Ilene rests a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Do you have any idea of what it could be?"

     The doctor sighs. "It's highly possible that it's some sort of genetic mutation. Emiko's condition mimics autoimmune diseases but at a much, much higher scale. No one has ever seen a case like this. Something this severe-"

     "You said genetic?" Ilene interjects.

     He frowns. "I'm familiar with your work, Dr. Huff. I was reluctant to tell you what we think it could be because of this. Don't think you can take this into your own hands. It would be highly unethical."

     "Are you assuming I'd-"

     "We would like to leave," Takao interrupts. "With our daughter."

     "I highly discourage discharging her. She needs-"

     "She isn't receiving any treatment. There is no use in staying here."

     "Takao, please. You know better than this. She-"

     "I know you want to help," Takao says. "But I know it isn't just that either. We don't want her to be a part of your research. Not yet."

     "You understand you may not have long to make a decision to let us study her condition, don't you?"

     Takao nods. "We're aware."

     The doctor lowers his head. "If you change your mind, we'd be happy to treat her."

     After all of the necessary documents were completed and filed, Emiko was released and the family journeyed home. The car ride was silent. The two parents had no idea what to say or what to talk about. But they both were thinking the same thing: could their baby be saved by Noah and Ilene's work? Ilene knew just how close Noah was to perfecting his compound. However, they were nowhere near being approved for human testing nor clinical trials. To use the serum on Emiko would be extremely illegal, unethical, and, worse, horrible parenting. However, Takao and Ilene were growing desperate. No matter how many specialists they visited, nothing and no one was able to help.

     "I don't want to go home," Ilene whispers.

     "Where do you want to go?"

     "I want to visit Hamato Yuuta."

     "Ilene..."

     "I think he's been helping," Ilene says, looking back at Emiko. "She's been calmer after the healing sessions..."

     "Ilene, you know his method is ancient remedial practice... Kugi-Kiri. It isn't rooted in real medical-"

     "He calls it healing hands..."

     "Alright, then."

     Silence falls upon them once again and it remains that way for the rest of the drive. They pull into a parking lot quite far from the Hamato's dojo. They've kept true to their ancient origins and strayed far from the modern architecture around them. The walk wasn't horrible but it always took time to maneuver the surrounding forests.

     Takao took Emiko's carrier from the car and carried her as the two walked towards the dojo. Much like the car ride, it was silent until they came up to the dojo. Takao and Ilene were accustomed to being allowed to let themselves in. They had become very close friends with the Hamato's and were welcomed whenever they wished.