Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wren had lived in New York her entire life (about 19 years) and despite all the things that happened in her home town.

First was being kicked out of her own home for being caught with her girlfriend on their third date together.

Wren was at the mall with her girlfriend only to have her father yank her away yelling "the fuck are you doing?!" Wren stammered trying to defend herself only for her father to pull her out of the mall saying "we are going home and afterwards you are moving out" Wren shivered at her father's serious tone in his voice.

Wren was only a year out of highschool at the time and wasn't exactly in the position to move out especially since the only work experience she had underneath her belt was working on computer programming and part time job at Albearto's the summer before.

So when her father told her that she was getting tossed out of the house she was frantic about getting him to talk to her.

As Wren's father tossed Wren's things haphazardly in a suitcase Wren frantically begged "dad... dad please, I can't be on my own now with how little I have in my account, or at least can you wait until I save up enough to rent some where" she asked hoping her father would at least meet some middle ground Wren father turned towards her "how about this I will let you continue to live here even help pay for your own place" Wren sighed in relief hearing this then her father placed a hand on her shoulder making Wren stiffen "I will do this if you through this program" Wren then held up his phone to her showing a website called 'make-it-straight.com' talking about how to 'fix' those who decide they like the same sex and through their program it will fix them.

Wren for a moment thought 'maybe this program wouldn't be that bad and I would just need to stay here until I could afford a place' she thought to herself. Then she looked up at her father "so if I do this will I still be able to see my... friends again" her father shook his head "no you'll make all new friends at this program, and if I catch you with that girl again you are out"

Wren pushed her father's phone back towards him "no I...I can't live like that"

Wren's mother tried to intervene "dear perhaps your being a bit...um...harsh we should at least let her friends see her" Wren's mother said patting Wren's Father's shoulder. Her father released his grip and Wren's shoulder "no you don't understand Jane, if we let this continue she will ruin her life" Wren's father hissed

Wren huffed "just because I like girls doesn't mean it will ruin my life dad, I can still do everything you want me to, go to college even have kids" Wren's father slammed his hand on the wall making Wren and Wren's mother jump "SHUT UP YOU FAG!" Wren's Mother frowned saying nothing, as did Wren

Wren's father then grabbed Wren's right arm hard enough that he almost popped it out of its socket.

Wren could barely stay on her feet with her father practically carrying her by her arm to the door with her mother following behind silently.

Wren's father then shoved her outside with Wren falling on the ground "then you're dead to this family" Wren felt numb as sat sat there on the cement of what just happened.

Wren was only snapped out of her thoughts for a moment when her father tossed the suitcases of her things on the lawn finally slamming the door in Wren's face without another word.

That night Wren slept in her '2010 Subaru Forester' parked it in the empty parking lot of a long forgotten video store strip mall.

The day after being kicked out Wren's mother called her saying in a quiet tone of voice "hey honey, I know your father won't let you back in the house but I can at least help you find a place to rent" Wren couldn't help but smile just hearing her mother wanting to help her at all "thanks mom"

Wren's mother took her to a few apartment buildings until they found one that wasn't too run down and was also going to be affordable.

Wren's mother even got her plates, silverware in addition Wren's mother gave Wren enough money to pay for the first two months Wren hugged her mother "thank you mom" she patted Wren's back then pushed her away gently "sorry after this I can't do anything else for you sweetie, I only ask to be careful and...maybe reconsider...things" she said quietly.

Wren sighed hating how her mother felt the same about her sexuality 'at least she gave me something to start with' Wren thought to herself Wren smiled at her mother "well thank you mom for helping me out so much I just... don't forget about me" Wren said her voice somewhat cracking.

After Wren was somewhat settled in her apartment she told her girlfriend about the situation.

With Wren being kicked out, now being forced to work with only a high school education and not a whole lot of work experience under her belt.

Wren's girlfriend at first seemed cool about it willing to still date and hang out with Wren during this tough time in her life even lending an ear for when Wren needed to vent her problems.

After about a month Wren's girlfriend then came to her with a serious look on her face "I am sorry Wren but I think I need some... space" Wren looked at her girlfriend confused "what do you mean? are you ... are you breaking up with me?" Wren's girlfriend nodded "I hope we can still be friends" she said as she walked away from Wren, it broke Wren's heart.

Despite everything Wren threw herself into applying to every job she could trying to find a job that would hire her while also distracting her from thinking about her parents kicking her out and her girlfriend dumping her afterwards.

Finally after two weeks (closer to three) Wren got a good job at a local pet store called 'Pets R Us' mainly working with the reptiles and restocking the shelves after closing.

After a year of working there at 'Pet R Us' things for Wren seemed to be going her way, with her getting money in the bank even getting a small bonus for being a good worker though Wren couldn't get the courage to try dating again.

Everything seemed ok in NYC until some strange things were happening in the city.

With the people turning into mutant creatures terrorizing the city folk, gangs robbing stores left and right it made it harder to get home safely or even think about having a real social life without worrying about her own life being at risk.

Thankfully during the robberies they didn't hit up 'Pets R Us' where Wren works at, though she still couldn't help but worry about it.

Especially when the news was talking about missing magician animals assistants but it never happened.

The only time things got really terrifying was during the massive alien invasion infecting animals people and somehow even vehicles.

That alien infected helicopter haunted Wren's nightmares for a long while.

Thankfully Wren was one of the few that didn't get turned into an alien zombie during that whole mess.

Though that was mostly because she was hiding out in her closet the entire time tucked in a secret compartment in the back of it.

(she had found it while cleaning one day)

As hours went by while she clung to one of her favorite Lou Jitsu merchandise a wooden sword fish (which looked more like a sword than a fish) from a special edition of 'One fish Two fish' merely listening to the hissing and clicking of the infected in the halls of her apartment building as well when they finally entered her apartment.

Wren thought it was all over for her hearing them clawing at her closet door until she heard a loud thunder clap followed by multiple bodies hitting the ground.

Wren waited hours until she heard an actual voice say "what.... happened?" Wren crawled out seeing that the alien infected once clingy to these people were now falling off in a big pile of goop.

Wren sighed in relief seeing that at least the alien invasion was over.

Yet whatever she brought it up to her coworkers they all told her they don't remember any of that happening.

Even stranger was after the clean up of the city started to happen the government started to ask questions to a lot of people in the area asking what they remember. Wren didn't want to admit she remembered things.

(mostly because a few days before someone admitted to remembering what happened and the next day went missing)

About a year after that things were getting back into a simple routine for Wren make breakfast go to work come home and put on some Jupiter Jim or maybe some Lou Jitsu movies fiddle around with her computer programming and antivirus software (thinking about doing a side business when she has time for it) then goes to bed.

Though today Wren got home from a long day from working at 'Pets R Us' she couldn't help but wonder "after everything that's happened here why did I never moved out of New York City" Wren asked herself" she then laughed as she thought about it "I guess I'm just stubborn" she said out loud then let out a heavy sigh "that and I can't afford to move anywhere else" she had to admit to herself.

Then took off her work shirt and changed into a tank top in an attempt to cool off from the summer heat. Wren went to open the window to let in some fresh air especially since her A/C was busted.... again.

Wren groaned feeling like she was about to melt into the floor "I hope I get a pay bump soon, because I can't stand it being so hot in here" Wren said to herself fanning her face with one of her Jupiter Jim comics.

As she sat down near the open window Wren heard a buzzing by her ear, Wren rolled her eyes annoyed "great, a fly got in here" Wren tried to shoo it away from her ear with her hand as she did the bug flew into view.

It looked to be a mosquito but it was green almost glowing, seeing this freaking bug immediately creeped Wren out "ugh... ok I'm getting the bug spray now" but as she got up from the couch the glowing mosquito landed on her face it immediately bit her nose.

Wren panicked grabbing the bug and threw it on the floor stomping it for good measure but as Wren did she noticed the mosquito was no longer glowing green.

She shivered "oh god, that can't be good" she said to herself only to immediately be bent over in pain with her body shifting shape.

Every nerve of Wren's body was on fire with bones snapping and popping into place while Wren skin felt like it was being peeled off though on top of everything else Wren felt like her spine was being pulled out.

Wren tried desperately to stay conscious trying to call for her help only for her voice to merely come out in a hushed tone. Wren's vision soon became hazy with the pain becoming so intense that she ended up passing out on the floor of her apartment moments after being bitten by the mysterious bug.

Chapter Text

After a few hours Wren woke up feeling not exactly sick yet definitely not great.

Wren looked around with her vision was doubled for a moment then cleared up as she became more aware of her surroundings.

Wren then tried to stand up hoping she could at least make it to the couch to lay down instead of flopping on the floor again. However as Wren did so she find her balance was a bit off feeling as if she had something suddenly heavy attached to her back Wren shook off the feeling thinking she was merely still tired 'just take it easy Wren one step at a time' she thought to herself also considering that weird mosquito just made her pass out for some reason or another and nothing more.

However as Wren looked down to focus more on steading herself she saw her skin was pale grey almost white now with dark grey stripes.

Wren looked at herself dumbfounded 'what is this? what happened' Wren thought to herself, she then looked down seeing her feet went from five toes to just three having the same skin color.

Wren screamed at the sight but it sounded more like chirping and hissing which she immediately covered her mouth 'what the heck was that...was that noise really coming from me' Wren thought to herself scared out of her mind.

Wren tried to think about her situation as calmly as she could 'ok ok ok you're a mutant now Wren but it will be fine... yeah, I can just wear some make up focus on not talking to anyone it will be fine' Wren thought to herself.

Wren looked at her skin closer 'but maybe I am worried about nothing and it's a dream or a nightmare' Wren then went to pinch herself to test that theory though as she did so Wren noticed she had only three fingers.

Wren started to panic clicking and chirping in distress 'oh god! oh god! oh god!' Wren thought to herself panicking falling backwards on her couch instead of the floor.

Wren after about an 30 minutes of hyperventilating finally calmed down enough to collect her thoughts 'ok just need to focus' Wren thought to herself .

Wren looked down at her arms her legs and hands trying to think as clearly as she could 'ok ok ok this definitely isn't something I can cover up' Wren thought bitterly Wren then took some deep breaths trying to calm herself 'however now that I know the situation I need to see the whole picture' Wren thought to herself feeling her body shake 'no matter how much I don't want to, and I really don't want to' Wren thought to herself feeling her breathing already picking up again.

As Wren got to the bathroom she took a few deep breaths preparing for what she was about to see 'just get it over with Wren the sooner the better' she thought to herself.

She stepped in then turned on the bathroom light with the light blinding her momentarily then her eyes set on the mirror, Wren gasped at her what she had become.

Wren indeed had pale grey with dark grey stripes all down her legs and arms with her hair being snow white no longer brown and thanks to the mirror she could see why her balance was off, it was because of her new shell.

Wren's knees buckled seeing her new shell with a dark brown color with yellow spiral pattern, she didn't know what to do who to talk to or even who to go to.

Wren's friends were people she couldn't count on aside from (maybe) covering a shift for her at 'Pets R Us' when she needed days off.

Then she thought about who else could she call 'my parents maybe?' then Wren quickly remembered the way her father treated her kicking her out and declaring she was dead to him.

It especially hurt Wren when the city was being overrun by mutant creatures and even made into alien zombies they didn't even bother to send a letter to see if Wren was ok or even alive for that matter.

Wren sighed 'ok so maybe I could go to the hospital to fix this or at least check me out' then Wren remembered what happened to the one guy who simply confessed to remembering what happened during the alien invasion.

Wren clicked and growled to herself 'ok going to a hospital is out of the question since would definitely get poked and experimented on and never see the light of day again' Wren thought to herself.

Wren groaned not knowing what to do 'I can't go anywhere like this and I still need to make money how am I going to live like this or even afford living here' Wren thought to herself hiccuping a sob (which there was more clicking and chirping involved)

Then a thought came to Wren chirping a bit 'my computer programming skills I could use that to pay for my bills, which won't fix my face but at least my financial situation will be taken care of' granted Wren had to admit it wasn't making much if any money but it would do for now.

Then Wren remembered she had to quit her current job at 'Pets R Us' if she didn't her boss would try to get her to come in (being one of the better employees)

Wren sighed 'ok just need to get in drop off this letter and done' she thought to herself

So that night while wearing a large hoodie large sweat pants she went to the pet store and snuck in after hours (thanks to her back door keys).

Wren noticed that no one had fed the turtles or the iguanas so before making her way there she snuck her way over and gave them their food. Wren clicked 'if I wasn't a turtle I would be giving everyone an earful about not feeding you' as she finished one of the turtles managed to climb out of the tank and started to walk towards her without thinking Wren said *(no no get back in the tank)* but still only coming out in clicks and chirps the turtle stopped on a dime and did as it was told climbing back in.

Wren looked confused at what just happened but shook it off knowing she couldn't stay here forever 'focus Wren focus'

Wren then made her way to her bosses office and put a letter on her the desk saying {I can no longer work here at the 'Pets R Us' because I have found better employment else where, and unfortunately I could not put in my last two weeks due to unforseen circumstances} Wren sighed not wanting to quit like this or at all knowing she needed the money but she had no choice now.

As she left she put the keys and uniform and her boss's desk though Wren couldn't help herself and took the spares keys 'just in case' Wren thought to herself'

After that Wren then put all her time and energy into making different software programs mainly antivirus programs.

During those hours Wren mainly wearing her comfy light grey hoodie with a smiley face on the chest along with light grey sweatpants with tie around the front not wanting to even look at her new brown and yellow spiral shell or her new white and dark grey striped skin.

However it didn't seem like it was enough, so Wren also distracted herself with her small business of making antivirus programs and good if not great software as much as she could.

Wren soon found her working long hours until she passed out insisting to herself every program software needed to be perfect with no issues. Wren even added a technically support function to her main anti-virus program (though it was just text and chat of course) that she had been perfecting and updating almost every week.

Wren from her apartment managed to get traction with her programming business to make a decent profit to pay her bills now. It took at least a month since Wren only had access to ads through a virtual means in order to get the word out about her product.

She admitted it was a definite rocky start with only a few people using or even willing to try any of her software. However the word spread of how good it was pretty quickly.

The only time Wren got worried was when there was only enough to cover next month's rent, and Wren was debating about selling certain things.

Yet despite things finally looking up for Wren's financial situation Wren admittedly found herself getting stir crazy. She tried to busy herself with work reading just anything but going outside exposing herself.

However she couldn't help but want to go outside especially during the warmer days

So to make sure she didn't go completely nuts Wren went for walks and mini outings for fresh air at night with no one around which was like at 3 in the morning or midnight.

Everything was going ok (at least somewhat) when Wren walked by the magic shop 'Pixie Dust and Such' on her way back home only for it to explode glass shattering everywhere. Yet the glass didn't get a chance to cut her with Wren automatically tucking into her shell spinning halfway down the street which Wren clicked and chirped in distressed not realizing what happened at first seeing just darkness.

Wren hears a voice sporting a Australian accent as well as someone taps on her shell "hello... turtle are we fighting or what?"

Wren popped back out *(what just happened)* Wren tried to say coming out as clicks hushed hissing hearing a startling yelp Wren look up seeing a large hippo man dressed as a magician. The hippo magician looked at Wren confused "well this is new face" the hippo magician said to Wren.

Wren tried to say hissing *(you don't think this is new to me)* but it all came out as clicks and chirps.

Then Wren heard a voice behind her "stop right there 'Hypno' " she turned to see four mutant turtles.

One looking like a snapping turtle who looked to be six foot tall at least having a red mask on holding sai's, a red ear slider with a blue mask on a with two katanas on his shell, box turtle with an orange mask on hold and swinging around nunchucks and turtle who may or may not be a soft shell with a purple mask and purple cover on said shell holding a bō.

The hippo magician picked Wren off the ground by her light grey hoodie strangling her a little "if you turtles come near me I'll slice her in half, and I don't plan on putting her back together" the hippo man magician then summoned a metal ring from his sleeve. Then the hippo magician had the metal ring hovering just above his hand as the ring spun is the air Wren got a good look at the ring having it so close to her it looked rather sharp chills ran up her shell as she felt the breeze from the spinning of the ring.

The four of them looked at each other then nodded "ok ok we'll back up" the one in blue said "weapons downs" the Hippo then inched closer to her neck making Wren chirp.

(though it sounded more like a squeak).

One by one they put their weapons down except the one the red eared slider.

Wren saw the red eared slider while the other turtles slowly put their weapons down he swung his sword quickly in the air in a circle motion only a glowing portal to appear with a hand pulling down the hippo's turban making him drop Wren with the metal ring dropping on the ground.

As soon as Wren hit the ground she didn't stick around for the fight, instead Wren immediately ran away across the street and down three blocks farther from her apartment building but away from whatever fight was going on 'ok ok ok if I just go the long way around I should be fine, right?' then as Wren was two blocks away from her apartment building the same four turtles from earlier stop her hopping out of a portal.

The red eared slider stepped forward to Wren "so... few questions-" Wren tried saying *(leave me alone!)* but she then unintentionally hissed instead.

The box turtle and red eared slider turtle jumped back while the snapping turtle and soft shell looked at each other for a moment then they walked forward.

The soft shelled turtle rubbed his chin "do you know how to speak with your... whole situation" he asked, Wren shook her head clicking nervously.

The soft shell turtle sighed "ok I may have something that will help with the talking issue" he said pushing a few buttons on his wrist band.

After the soft shell pressed the final button a small purple framed hand sized white board was pulled out by robotic arms attached to the soft shelled turtle's phox shell.

Then the robotic arms dropped it in his hands then the soft shell handed the purple framed white board to Wren with the robotic arms dropping a dry erase marker in her hands as well, "hopefully you can at least still write" Wren was sceptical about this 'well they did save me, plus if they can portal anywhere I don't think I can get far before they catch me again' Wren thought to herself.

Wren then wrote on the board [look thanks for saving me but I really gotta get home] the red eared slider looked at Wren confused "well at least let us take you home chica so you don't become a hostage again" Wren wiped the board then wrote [I'll be fine as long as I get there before 6] then turned it towards them.

The box turtle looked at Wren confused "wait you have a crew few" Wren shook her head, as she clicking in frustration. Then quickly wrote down [no you id- kid I can't be seen like this] the red eared slider smiled pulling out his blue handle swords "no problem chica we will drop you off, portal style all you gotta do is let's us know where that is" Wren chirped nervously while the other three looked nervous as well the soft shelled turtle stepped towards the red eared slider "um... Leo do you really think this diamondback terrapin will tell you any info about her just because we saved her" the red eared slider shrugged "I mean..."

Wren watched as the soft shell and red eared slider continued to debate while she stood there awkwardly with the box turtle playing on his phone and the snapping turtle rubbing his forehead clearly frustrated.

The snapping turtle looked over at Wren walking over slowly "so do you actually want us to drop you off?" Wren sighed then wrote [if you guys want to make it easier for me you can drop me off here] Wren showed the snapping turtle the board showing the address of a coffee shop just across from her building.

The snapping turtle patted your head "ok will get you home in two seconds, hey Leo take our little friend to this address real quick" the red eared slider looked at the board and nodded "and one portal to home coming up" with the snapping turtle handing Wren the board back.

Wren hesitated not sure but then the box turtle walked beside her putting a foot in the portal "here just walk through, I'll go first" Wren shook her head then the box turtle took her hand gently pulling her through "and ta da!" the box turtle said cheerfully making jazz hands.

Wren was about to walk away when she realized she still had the purple framed white board, she tried to hand to the box turtle who shook his head "keep it, I think it will come in handy" Wren was confused then wrote down [thanks] right beside it she wrote [good bye turtles]

Chapter Text

After getting home Wren didn't know what to think of that whole encounter, but tried to shake off knowing she was just lucky that after the hippo magician threatened to kill her that those four mutant turtles didn't decide to rob her after beating up that hippo.

After about a week Wren returned to her normal routine, programming until midnight doing, while doing puzzles during her 'break time'

Though Wren noticed herself enjoying more time in the sun to the point she found herself sunbathing. Wren did order some of her usual favorite pizza but ended up ordering it with extra anchovies

(which Wren used to hate fish)

However Wren found herself eating a pizza filled with anchovies while purring in delight.

After she was done eating Wren couldn't help but click and chirp in destress 'I really am a freak now' Wren thought to herself not wanting to admit it before trying to be in denial for a while longer that she was the same.

However Wren looked at how she loved the heat where she used to hate it, Wren loathed warm baths and showers but now enjoys them for way too long and now she is eating seafood happily when Wren was human the mere smell of fish made her lose her appetite.

It was all a bit much for her whenever the thought crossed her mind.

Then Wren had another thought that brought a somewhat glimmer of hope of normalcy.

After the encounter with those four mutant turtles Wren did think about how they were able to talk normally, no clicking no chirping just talking like a regular people do.

Wren thought 'well I may not have anyone to talk to being a mutant myself, but maybe if I could talk normally again I could have my technical support feel more reliable' Wren thought to herself.

So Wren set aside a time of day (after working on her software and such) to practice talking normally or at least make an attempt.

Wren started with simple words she tried to say *(the dog sat on the log)* which came out like usual as mere chirping and clicking.

She growled trying repeatedly even trying to move her lips to form the words it still sounds like chirping and clicking.

After 2 hours Wren hissed and growled frustrated as she tried to say *(why can't I talk!)* punching a hole in the wall, Wren barely felt anything as her went through the drywall and hit the brick on the other side.

Wren felt mentally numb as she pulled her hand out of the wall not only seeing little to no damage to her hand but a few small electrical sparks flew off her hand. Wren then fell to her knees mentally exhausted 'I'll try again tomorrow' Wren thought to herself.

The next day after updating her current software and antivirus programs on her site she decided to go another round of trying to talk. Wren even looked up a video of speech therapy (for teachers that need tips) hoping it would help get her in the right direction.

Wren was trying so hard to sound words out straining her voice resulting in her chirping sounding like squeaking after 4 hours she finally took a break drinking some water as well as a cough drop.

Wren looked at all the material she had available to her on the internet as she let her voice take a break 'what am I missing here? a tip? a code? some random cure all potion, what is it?' Wren thought to herself frustrated at the lack of results she was having. Wren watched another video saying not much different than the last one 'maybe this would be less frustrating if I knew why I'm talking... no not talking chirping like this, because clearly I can understand people and think normally even write so what is the problem' Wren thought to herself.

After Wren's throat felt soothed she then heard her stomach growling, Wren then realized she hadn't eaten all day. She looked at the clock groaning '11 at night that means the only place that's open is the noodle shack and they don't do delivery' Wren thought as she clicked and hissed in destress.

Wren tried to think 'maybe I can wait until tomorrow' then felt her stomach growl again reminding her how hungry she was sighed 'just a quick walk to 'The noodle Shack' then back' she thought to herself as Wren put her wallet in her sleeve of her hoodie then headed out the door.

As she walked down the street towards the shop she suddenly realized just how late it was already seeing no one in sight and most of the shops were closed 'I know it's pretty late but I am too hungry to turn back' Wren thought to herself.

As she got close to the 'Noodle Shack' she felt a something small and metal poke at her side slightly tapping her shell making her stop, with a gravely voice saying "wallet. now." Wren made it look like she was fumbling for her wallet but making sure to dump her cards in her hoodie pocket out first only leaving a few fives and ones.

As Wren handed the mugger her wallet, he immediately snatched it away from her then the mugger laughed "thank you for your donation" Wren then heard a loud bang followed by a ringing in her ears Wren wanted to move but waited until she heard the mugger running away.

Wren then turned seeing the mugger was gone but she noticed something on the ground next to her dripping on her hoodie and sweatpants she looked down seeing it was blood.

Chapter Text

Wren didn't know where it was coming from until she felt her side where the mugger had a gun pointed at her finally feeling the pain hissing in response 'shit what do I do? where do I go?'

Wren stumbled thinking 'maybe... maybe if I make it home... I...I can fix this' Wren thought to herself not considering how badly she was bleeding or even if the bullet was still inside her.

Wren then starts to walk back dripping blood practically every step she took which was complimented with the pain she was having as it came and went.

Wren thought she was going to make it as she made it down the at least half a block, then her vision was starting to get a bit hazy 'that can't be good' Wren thought to herself leaning against the wall.

After a minute she managed to start moving again 'ok, ok Wren just stay on your feet and go down this alley way and your home free... at least if you can make it another block' she thought to herself.

However as she walked down the alley she looked around seeing it was the wrong alley, she looked at the wall with her vision swimming. Wren saw there was a nice mural with two skulls and the letters 'NYC' in the middle in bold blue front.

Wren sighed 'ok just keep going Wren' she urged herself, as she went to put her hand on the wall for support only for it to briefly light up a pale blue she looked confused thinking she was seeing things from the blood loss. Then as Wren attempts to catch her breathe the wall opened up with a glow surrounding the entrance which Wren immediately fell through making her land on a tiled floor with a heavy thud making her groan in pain.

She looked around confused seeing what looked to be mutants with a large angler and fly mutant waiting on tables wearing a general waiters uniform

(white long sleeve collared shirt with a black vest black pants and a waist high apron)

Wren gasped at the customers having fur, scales spikes Wren and despite being a mutant now herself she was scared seeing some many here at once having flashbacks to the hippo man magician 'I don't know what this place is but right now I am now condition to handle anything other than not passing out' Wren thought to herself.

As Wren attempts to get up she is greeted by a skeleton man sporting a pencil thin mustache dressed in a black suit with a red under shirt and black tie and black fedora.

The Skeleton man then says in a calm voice "greetings I am Senior Hueso and... oh my, are you alright" looking at Wren worried.

Wren nodded as she barely got a leg under her as more blood drips on the ground from her the pain making her hiss and growl unintentionally "yes well how about we try to slow the bleeding before you pass out" Wren nodded as Hueso helped her to a nearby chair sitting her down gently.

While she waited she took a good look around seeing that despite the clients having multiple eyes tails or even claws they looked like they were just simply enjoying a regular outing like normal people.

Wren relaxed for a moment before another surge of pain reminded her of her situation 'if I wasn't bleeding out I wouldn't mind getting a table here feeling normal for a moment' Wren thought to herself enjoying the calm atmosphere.

Then the skeleton man came back with a clean dish cloth and pressed against her wound wrapping it with some gauze.

He sighed "alright now that you are not going to bleed out immediately I will send you to the ER in the Mystic City" Wren shook her head trying to say *(wait please you don't have to)* but it came out in chirps and clicking.

The Skeleton man patted Wren's head "don't worry you'll be in good hands" he got her back up on her feet then threw a chip in the air making a portal instantly Hueso then pushed Wren through 'great now what' she thought to herself.

As Wren walked around she noticed that she was indeed at a hospital, but like the restaurant she was in a few moments ago it was definitely not for humans.

She saw mutant-like creatures all with different injuries some worse than others a griffin mutant with a broken wing a swamp creature with his scales coming off.

Wren felt very out of place worried if she did something wrong they would arrest her or worst kill her. Wren hesitates a bit before walking up to the front desk where a octopus lady having an old fashioned nurse's hat on and white top having a red cross in the middle of it "hello what are you here for my dear?" the octopus lady asked in a kind tone of voice, Wren tried to say *(I was shot)* but merely chirping came out.

Wren frowned looking away feeling frustrated despite the blood loss 'why did I even bother talking?' Wren thought to herself "oh it's ok dear" Wren looked confused as the octo nurse typed in something into the phone "can we get some to get a room ready we have a kappa with a gun shop wound" Wren wanted to ask her how she understood her but a second later three nurses ran in two being lizards and the third a fox and put her in a wheelchair taking her to a room.

Once taken back they put Wren in a hospital gown (definitely making her feel exposed having her shell out in the open) soon having a purple goat man come in with what looked to be a female griffin though dress as a doctor.

The female griffin doctor took off the kitchen cloth and gauze the kind skeleton man put on her "it seems you lost a good amount of blood young one" she said in a sad tone of voice "but for now let's get this nasty bullet out" Wren clicked nervously.

Then she put her hand on Wren's wound making her hiss with a sudden surge of pain from the slight change of pressure on her side.

Wren tried to move but the nurses firmly held her down. Then female griffin doctor soothed her "it's ok young kappa just breathe" Wren gave her a small nod trying not to move again, then the lady doctor simply lifted her hands off of Wren's side which immediately Wren felt something rip out her making Wren scream in pain sounding more like screeching.

The female griffin doctor smiled holding the bullet in her hands "there we go now we just clean the wound get you on some fluids for the blood loss and patch your shell" Wren looked at the woman confused then tried to ask *(my...my what is... damaged)* with Wren's voice still coming out in chirps and clicking the purple goat man looked at Wren puzzle while the griffin doctor patted her head "your shell my dear, though you only got cracked which you should count yourself lucky none of it broke off with that human's weapon" Wren nodded in response.

Wren was then left in the room with just the goat man, Wren watched in silence as he wrapped her wounds in a heavy amount of gauze. After the purple goat man was finished he then started to hook Wren up to an IV of blood he then asked "are you actually a yokai, young kappa?" the question made Wren flinch.