#dose that one trip to the lab count in Onixs brain? no

[frogandbird]

Ch 21 - Bug Busters (Re-write) - Ch 23

“English” *Common*

Violet stood in the middle of the big red and gold room, severely regretting their life choices.

Oreo was sliding round on the once nice wooden floors, giggling as the honey they had dripped all over themselves helped her slide. They were loudly singing to a random song as he grabbed at bugs, having only managed to get four of the glowing mosquitoes.

The suit Violet had made for the energetic turtle was still on thankfully, its backpack glowing with a single dead mosquito in it. The other three he held were in her hands, getting the green mutagen everywhere from the dead one and the other two creepily big bugs trying to get away.

Sky was sitting on an overturned couch, perched on it as he gave a newly mutated pomeranian and their also new mutated human a few pats on the back. He looked woefully unprepared for his situation, his own blue suit covered in green goop and some white and tan fur from the dog people.

SKy looked over at them, mothing something that Violet couldn’t see, blocked by his mask tails that were still stuck in his visor. Violet turned away, looking round the room.

Once a very nice and regal looking lobby, one painted in reds, golds, and dark wood was now infested with green bugs, most congregating around some kind of waterfall on the far wall.

The bugs had been here for days, most if not all of the guests had been told to stay in their rooms. Because of course their job had to be made harder by the outbreak being in a hotel. One of the richest and fancy ones in New York no less.

Some guest had made it out of the bug infested lobby, only to be bitten on the street, making a whole scene. Violet had yet to see the full videos of the mutation, but just the aftermath photos sent chills down their shell. It had put production on the tank on hold, instead being asked to make suits to prevent bites so all four of them could go get the damn bugs.

They sighed as Oreo bumped into them, a grin on the box turtle's face. Their orange visor ahd footed up slightly, but was rapidly going away as Oroe managed to sit still for a few moments.

The stickiness from Oroes suit dripped onto VIolets, making htem currle up their snout. Oroe was already off, yelling somethign about an employee.

Violet looked around, spotting the human as Oroe slammed into the counter of the check in. The human was behind said counter, red uniform making them out to be an employee.

Violet growled. One more thing to deal with. One more thing to keep track of.

The human screamed, running away from Oreo. The box looked at Violet, visor and distance not hiding the heartbreak on the younger’s face. Violet walked over, patting him on the shoulder.

“Humans are rude, aren’t they.”

Oreo sniffled slightly, a small grin retuning. *Not all, Aps is nice.”

“Scoof!” Violet placed one hand on their chest, right over their emblem, “Our dearest sister is left out of the human category, you see she is one of us at heart.”

Oreo let out a proper laugh, attempting, and failing, at hiding their face with their hands. Violet hummed, making the corners of their mouth twitch up in a smile. Oreo sprung up, sliding around vIolet before dashing off to help Sky with his predicament.

Violet looked around, hissing as he caught sight of the human. They had run right for the waterfall, looking back at Oreo as they did so.

Onix, who had been unseen to Violet became she was standing stock still grabbed the human and shoved him away, her green and unsuited hand tearing the red fabric of their clothing.

Violet ran over, still hissing as the human scrambled to stand, one of the many rich decorations crashing to the floor next to them. The human grabbed it, it was one of a pair of buffalo horns, and pointed it at Onix.

Onix for the record, had forgone the top half of her suit, a net tucked under one hand as she held a basket of something that was far too green for Violet's liking.

The red metal on Onixs lower suit was wet with water, green blobs stuck to it. Her free hand was retracting from the shove, still held up as she was looking at her hand. She glanced at the human, eyeridge raising.

Violet tapped her arm, getting her attention. Onix looked down at them, head tilting as she put her arm down.

“First, what is the green thing, second, why did you take your suit off?” Violet nodded to the green blobs, then at the lack of her top.

Onix shrugged. She nodded to the human, then making a motion at her throat. Violet scrunched up their eyes, questioning their older sister's antics.

Onix returned to what she was going, which was digging the green blobs out of the water. Violet blinked, realization hitting them like a truck. eggs.

Violet glanced at the disregarded suit pile, which had been tossed to one side next to a fancy looking sculpture. They glanced again at Onix, who didn’t even seem to notice the bugs that were landing and crawling all over her.

Violet turned back to the human, going stiff at the sight of a green bug landing on them. The human screamed, slapping at the bug on their arm right as it made a dive to bite them. They dropped the horn as the mutation began.

A big hand grabbed them, Onixs hand covering their visor and by extension their eyes. She shouted something at Sky and Oreo, but Violet couldn’t make it out as they fought to pry Onixs hand off of their face.

The humans' screams were destroying, becoming deeper and more gurttal. Fabric could be heard tearing, the dark ripping echoing almost as deep into their brain as the screaming.

“Oni- I can-'' Violet hissed as they managed to get a finger off the visor, just for it to snap back into place.

*No.* Onix growled. Violet could feel her body shift, VIolet themselves being forced to face away from the screaming. *No, just, no*

Violet was let go as the screaming stopped, their ears still ringing. Onix moved away, her massive body lumbering towards the new mutant.

Violet turned to see her crouch next to the now mutant buffalo. The person tried to hit her, but the arms were too weak to even puch her an inch. She tried to help them sit, but the mutant screamed again.

Violet stepped back, rubbing at their arms as SKy and Oreo ran over.

*You ok?* Sky offered an hug.

Violet stepped into it, hissing. *that- It sounded-*

*Yeah, fucking horrendous. Me an‘ Oj could hear it.* Sky held them closer.

Oreo joined the hug. *It’s ok Vivi! I think.*

Something sounded, a ding coming from nearby. The three separated, Sky reaching for a sword that he didn't have, and Oreo clicking a curse. Violet grabbed their collapsible bō.

Onix was in front of them suddenly, her dark scales spattered with green mutagen.

“I always wondered how that happened.” A higher pitch voice spoke, one that sounded like how delicate flowers looked.

Violet glanced around Onixs arm, spotting the new human. They had on a purple dress and silver green fur, sticking out like a sore thumb. Violet hissed.

The human spotted them, lifting one hand to her face in order to pretend to hide a giggle. “You turtle boos have made quite a mess haven’t you?”

Onix growled, the spikes on her shell and face lifting up. Violet and Oreo both stepped back in order to avoid being bonked.

“Oh dont worry little darlings, my people will take care of this! Now, Little Red it has been so long!”

The human walked right up to them, leaving Violets sight as they got closer to their big sister. Violet hissed. Who were they was the main question, the second being why they didn't run.

Onix lowered her head into the red scarf she wore, a glow growl still coming from her throat.

The human spoke again. “I see you have been cleaning your father’s mess! What a good girl you are.”

They peeked behind Onix, spotting the others. Onix brought her arm up to separate the group, the growl picking up as the human's silvery hair and dark purple makeup got closer.

“I see you have friends now.” They giggled again, smiling.

“Big Mama.” Onix huffed, the spikes on her shell lowering, but the ones on her face remained puffed up. “I didn't know this was your hotel.”

Big Mama smiled, a small one that set Violets nerves off. “Of course it is little one! Now, we have much to talk about!”

Onixs growl lowered in volume, but it remained. “We’re just here for the bugs.’

Big Mama waved. “Of course, of course. Come, I can help.”

Oreo shared a look with Violet and Sky, the older pair giving a nervous nod. Oreo jumped onto Onixs shoulder, slipping and catching themselves with scrambling feet.

Oreo spoke quietly. *We kind of need the help..* (Sky face palmed)

Violet and Sky made to stand on either side of Onix. Sky crossed his arms and Violet held their bō, though it was collapsed.

Onix grunted, lowering her extended arm. “Fine.”

She turned, moving to her abandoned gear. She picked it up, balancing her net and basket atop. Violet watched her, still keeping an eye on Big mama as the snapper returned.

Violet removed their helmet, making the metal retract with a press of a button. They slid the disk into a pocket, then showed Sky how to do the same as they walked up to an elevator. Oroe watched, then copied them, a grin on their face.

The elevator was strangely green and yellow, dark purple accents on the trim. Violet blinked at the small occapule looking mutant, who flicked a leaver and pressed a few buttons as Big Mama stepped into the elevator.

Violet looked back at the room right as the doors finished closing, humans and creatures in dark blue uniforms beginning to swat at bugs and clean the green mutagen.

The elevator moved down, making Violet's heart lerch. They clung to Onix, who responded by shuffling them closer with her tail.

The ride was quiet, say for the humming from Big Mama. Oreo was still perched on Onixs shoulders, though they struggled to stay in one place with the honey and gravity fighting them. Onix looked unbothered by the shifting Box turtle, her attention later focused onto BIg Mama.

Violet glanced at the human, startling as they noticed more yellow and purple in their eyes than any human could hope for. Their skin began to shine purple in the shifting light, though it very much could have been a trick in the light.

They stepped out of the elevator as it dinged, Motioning for the others to follow. Violet moved first, Onix and Sky following.

Violet glanced up at Onix, eyes going wide at the now silver eyes that glared at Big Mama. they glanced at Big Mama, whose skin was definitely purple as she spoke and waved about.

The halls were more of the green, though it faded to be more gold and jade then just the shiny yellow of the elevator. The floor was replaced with a dark carpet, softer looking than Violet expected for a hotel.

Sky had asked her something, though Violet missed it in their unease.

“- sounds fascinating child. No, we are all Yokai.”

“Yeah huh, like Onixs stories.” Sky scoffed, crossing his arms.

Violet glanced back at Onix again. She showed no sign of the annoyance she normally did, the corners of her beak poking out from behind her scarf in a smile or a snarl Violet didn't know.

“Why tell stories? We are very real.” Big Mama giggled yet again, honey almost dripping from her voice.

Sky squeaked. Oreo grabbed the attention off of the slider before Big Mama or Violet could speak again.

*Why did the bugs swarm here?*

Big Mama shrugged. “I can not tell you little one, though it seems like something you should figure out.” they paused. “With help of course.”

Onixs ever present growl picked up in volume, her movements becoming stiff as they stopped at a door. Violet blinked at the response, more from the fact that Oreo had definitely not just spoken in English. Their little sibling was also blinking, head tilted.

Big Mama smiled, a tad to samll for Violet's liking, unlocking the door. They gestured them in, following once all four of them had gone through.

The office was massive, red walls and dark wooden floors making the room feel small despite its overwhelming size. Big windows lined the opposite wall, showering the room in green light. Violet couldn’t see anything but shapes out of it, dark green and orange blobs in the far distance.

Big Mama walked to the other end of the room, pausing as they reached a desk just before the windows. They smiled at a photo, something like sadness passing their features as Violet watched.

They sat at the desk, nodding at the group. “So Kappa boos.”

Sky grunted at the new nickname. Oreo slid off of Onixs shoulders, The eldest holding too much to help them down. Violet kept hold of their bō, shuffling closer to their twin.

“You need some help with the bugs, yes?” Big Mama's smile widened slightly, looking almost normal.

Oreo gave a tentative nod, glancing at the others. Violet glanced at Sky, the pair also giving small nods.

“Oh no need to be so nervous around me little ones!” BIg Mama looked almost hurt. “I am no human trying to trick you.”

Onixs growl rose in volume once again, her tail lashing once before stilling.

Big Mama hummed. “Protective as always Little one, though suppose you got that form your father. Now,” They clapped her hands. “I will help you with hte bugs if you do one little favor for me.”

Violet nodded before the others could do anything. Sky groaned as Oreo took up the nod.

Big Mamas smile grew. “Oh you are such good little kappa! all i need is for you to find someone for me.” They looked right at Onix. “Your father should know where he took him.”

Violet looked up at Onix, whose eyes had gone wide, recognition flashing in her eyes. Her silver eyes.

“I-“ Onix chocked. “Ze- Who.” She settled, her tail tip flicking.

Big Mama smiled. “you know who little one.” They flipped the photo from earlier to face the group, a familiar person in the frame.

Onix went even more stiff if possible, the spikes on her cheeks now pressed to her scales as the growl from earlier dieing. Violet watched her reaction, worry wiggling into their gut.

Sky whistled, mailing Violet look at him. Sky nodded to the photo.

Violet blinked at the photo, a younger familiar person in it. Lou Jutsu was in frame, massive fire-y wings on his back as he held up a furry and small mutant, well, it was a mutant's limb. His classic suit was spattered with blood, but he had no injuries himself.

“But hes dead.” Violet looked at Big Mama, whose eyes closed as they gave a thin lipped smile.

“I know he is not.”

Sky hissed. “And how do you know that?”

“Because he was stolen from me. He has been missing for many years.” Big Mama's face fell, tears coming to their eyes.

Violet looked at Onix. Her face was mostly hidden by her scarf, her body still stiff as she stared. Violet rested a hand on her lower arm, earning no reaction. They whined slightly, watching his sister's face intently.

Sky was shaking his head. “That’s, no way. He died before any of us had even hatched-“

“Do not lie to me little kappa.”

“I'm not liking, he's dead. Everyone knows this!”

“And yet I know that is a lie.”

“How! he died in, like, the 90s! None of us had been hatched!”

“Stop this nonsense little Kappa, if you want my help then you will do this favor in return, lest I make you radio clowns for destroying my hotel.”

Something purple flashed in the corner of Violet's vision, making them spin to face the desk.

A massive form was revealed, a spider body taking up the space where Big Mama had just been. Inky black-purple limbs spread out, mint green fur cascaded down from the head to their shoulders, red eyes looking at them from all over. Big Mama's head rounded up, web dangling from her mouth as flat teeth partuded worse than even Onixs tusks. Six red eyes glared at them.

Violet hissed as Oreo screamed, dropping the photo they held. Sky growled, blue sparks coming off of his arms and hands. The bō in Violet's hands expanded with no input, something sizzling from deep within.

Big Mama turned to them. “You are useful little kappa,” Their voice was dripping honey and sugar, far too sweet and high pitch for their form. “In making me things.”

Violet's eyes went wide as web was flung in their direction, the sickly lavender fluid coming right from the spiders mouth.

Big hands pulled them back, web landing right where they had been. Onix was growling, her shell and cheek spikes once again fully puffed out. The metal she had been holding now lay at her feet, green mutagen splattered over her chest and arms.

Sky and Oreo where in her other hand, though Sky looked ready to pounce as Violet watched him. Oreo clung to Onix, though he was now hissing, a mean snarl spread on her painted face.

Big Mama sighed. “Really little red, I must take them. You understand. Warriors and weapons always do.”

Oni took another step back, her voice dripping with anger and venom as she spoke. “I am not a weapon. Nor are my siblings.”

Big Mamas eyes narrowed. “That is what your father always said. such a shame for his disappearance.”

Onixs head lowered into her scarf, the growl increasing as she pushed Violet and Oreo back. Violet hissed at the abrupt movement. They reacted into their suits shell, regretting not using their battle shell.

Metal screached on the floor, and Violet spotted Onix dragging disregarded suit and the bug eggs over to them. Big Mama saw too late, webs splattering onto the floor right where the metal had just been.

Onix moved suddenly, grabbing the shoulder pads of her suit, lurching back as more webs where flung their way.

Violet grabbed the basket, eggs included, and made a bolt for the door. Oreo was behind them, Sky and Onix following.

Violet yelped as they ran into a burly bellhop, ducking around them as Sky brought his leg down on the mutants arm. Oreo grabbed the bō, fumbling slightly.

She vaulted over the next person that crossed there path, dropping down and taking the dog mutant's legs out from under them as Violet ran past.

They found the stairs, pausing just long enough to look for their siblings.

Oreo was right behind them, bō still in hand as he batted at the dog mutant. Sky was a few feet past that, making a b-line for where Violet was. Onix was a bit farther back still, her heavy suit now in place on her scales as she ran, her tail knocking something over behind her.

Violet began the descent, then paused. The elevator had gone down. they looked up. up they would go.

They fled up the stairs, panting as they passed Sky and Oreo. The pair followed, Oreo using the bō to climb faster, and Sky sped up the stairs. Something blue flashed on him as he paused Violet, stopping on the landing to look down.

Onix was coming up, heavy footsteps being the only thing letting them know of her position.

Violet grunted, making way for the last floor. They slammed against the final door, hissing as it gave way. They stumbled, Sky cought them from face planting.

Oreo panted next to them, coughing the bō staff to steady himself. Violet made themselves look up, gasping as they looked around.

The sky was a soft emerald green, getting darker and darker the farther up Violet looked. Buildings where close by, near as dense as the city above; instead made of green metal and silver stone. Pale green windows reflected a careful light onto the ground below. Shapes flew in the background, massive creatures lugging what looked to be carts behind them or smaller ones flicking about free of what their friends carried.

Violet took a few steps forward, looking around. The city was so, well, for lack of a better word, beautiful. It called to them in a way they couldn’t possibly describe, the same way they had been drawn to mashenary and the cats, the same way they were drawn to Sky more than their other siblings.

“Welcome to the Hidden City”

Violet turned, looking at Onix s she spoke.

Her eyes were alsmot white in the brighter light, silver against the dark green of her scales. The scars around her eyes were tilted up with her brow muscles. Her scarf was pulled down, hanging onto the spikes on her shoulder, her tusks pulling her beak apart in a soft smile.

Sky looked out, a wissle ecaping him.

Oreo moved away from the door, standing next to Violet. *So it’s real?*

Onix nodded. “Yeah. Always has been.” She gave a soft laugh. “the day I lie about this place is the day I die.”

Sky whipped his head around. “Why are you so fucking dramatic- oh shit-“

Violet hissed as mutants where spotted in the door, one already trying to push at Onix. Oni, now in her full suit, elbowed the poor mutant, sending them stumbling back. She spun, grabbing the door and slamming it shut.

Violet yelped again as she ran towards them, grabbing Violet and Sky by their shells and launching herself off the roof.

Time slowed for just a few moments, giving them a moment to look down at the city below.

The streets were filled with mutants, the lower buildings looking like plaster and brick. No one looked up at the shadow that passed overhead, or if they did, Violet couldn’t see.

Gravity seemed to let them go, the three flying in the light of the green sky. Violet looked over, spotting Oreo next to the three, a wild and massive grin spread on her face. He was laughing, the sounds of clear as day in Violet's ears.

All too quickly they crashed to the next roof, gravity forcing itself back onto the four. Onix grunted as she landed, but she was moving already. Oreo rolled, running just behind Onix as they popped back up.

Violet watched the city fly past, living for every moment that gravity died, and hating every second that it decided to live again.

They had managed to clamber onto her shoulders, clinging to her shell and head as Sky was stuck to her arms. Oreo ran beside them, laughing at every jump.

Onix slowed as they reached a drop, making Violet click. The tall buildings dropped into middle and low rise buildings, now all made of bricks, stone, plaster and wood.

The snapper made her way to the edge of the roof, looking around. Violet yelped as she jumped onto a balcony then onto another low building roof. she looked up, head tilting. Violet turned to look up at the roof.

Oreo was on the roof above, looking down at them. He looked to be judging the jump.

She disappeared, then reappeared with a running jump. They grabbed the railing of the balcony, spinning around it before jumping and landing a few feet away from Onix.

Violet capped as Sky laughed. Onix gave a light nod, putting Sky down.

Oreo bowed. *Thank you, thank you!* they stood, smile covering her face.

Violet slid off of Onixs shoulders, stretching. Sky began to take off his suit, grunting as he did so. Violet did the same, collapsing the metal and fabric into a small pile.

Sky watched for a few moments before doing the same, blue added into the pile of purple. Oreo walked over, taking the armor off of his arms.

Violet took off their metal shell, sighing in soft relief as the weight of the prosthetic was lifted, quite literally, from their shoulders.

they began putting the collapsed bits into the shell, snoring them by color. Oreo handed them his pile, in a conversation with Sky that violet didn’t particularly pay any attention to as they sorted.

Onix put her pile down next to them, taking the bug eggs from where they had been abandoned. Violet flicked their now free tail, humming as they continued to sort.

Onix sat next to them, the basket set back down as she basked in the green light. Violet looked up at her, watching. She was leaning back on her arms, head tilted up at the sky. Her eyes were closed, though Violet could see the line in her face deepening. Sky and Oreo continued to talk, arguing about something.

“What are you thinking about?” Violet looked at Onix, Who blinked her eyes open.

“What..?” She looked at Violet.

“You are thinking.” Violet pointed out the aoviouse, head ducking slightly. “What are you thinking about?”

Onix sighed, shifting. She sat up slightly, her tail now propping her up as she put her arms in her lap.

“Big Mama.”

Violet blinked, tilting their head. Sky and Oreo both tuned, looking at their older sister.

“All that stuff she said about dad and you?” Sky asked, leaning back on his own arms. “Warriors or something?”

Onix sighed, nodding. “yeah.”

*Was it ture?* Oreo asked, one small hand placed on Onixs lower arm.

“Some of it.” Onix raised her head, a hand going for her lost scarf. she clutched at her choker, hand closing around the rock she wore. “I.. I live with someone else before dad, I know I've told you that before.”

Violet and the others nodded. It was one of her stories, living with someone with red hair and two small winged people for some unspoken amount of time. She had told them how she had watched over all of their eggs till they hatched, but she never spoke about how they mutated.

Violet clicked, regretting never taking the eldest seriously with her stories. Well, not when it was clear that they were more than stories.

“I didn't start living with them til i was two, and at that point I had taken some bad hits.” Onix let out a small and dry laugh, tapping her scared shell and face. “So when most saw all of us they thought I was a warrior, and given my size and species it was a far off assumption.”

Onix dropped both of her hands, taking the choker with them. She began to flip the rock over in her hands as she spoke.

“I, my other dad, took me to meet Big Mama once.”

Sky made a sound, one Violet couldn’t quite place.

“It went well. I was really little, so I don't remember much. I think I needed some kind of lesson, and Papa wanted me to learn from someone in her care?” Onix continued on, ignoring the others. “Then, a few years later, Papa made a choice. Dad was brought in, and you all where mutated.”

Violet startled then went still. Sky let out an accule gasp this time, Oreo blinking mutely.

“You guys were so young, I was so young. I didn’t have all the words to tell Dad or Papa what was happening, ” Onix choked back a breath, Oreo lunging for to give her a hug. Onix held Oreo up, lost in her own mind as she continued to speak.

“An accent happened. That’s why we all look like this. Dad kept us safe, he took us out of harm's way. He taught me how to read and speak japanese and english as i thought all of you how to speak the common-”

Onix was crying now, big tears rolling down her cheeks. Violet sniffed. Admitly was crying contagious. Sky came forward, leaning over her unscared shoulder and giving her a hug.

Violet also got up, taking her other side and nuzzling into the crook of her neck.

Onix curled around Oreo, sobs muffled by Oreo as the youngest hugged the eldest tight. Sky and Violet shared a look. Sky offred a lazy smile, then burrowed into Onixs cheek, mumbling something to her.

Violet gave their own smile, no matter how unnatural it came to them, They ducked their own head into Onixs cheek, humming a song she had always sung to them whenever any of them had a nightmare.

(*Eeww Onix you're covered in bug guts!*

“its not on me is it? ew ew ew get it off! Violet! stop laughing and help me!”)