Chapter 7
Finding True Colors
Diva was walking along the corridor of Foot Clan's lair, a look of determination on her face. She knew who was driving that van that nearly killed that family and was going to give him a piece of her mind. It made her angry that Fishface took off and didn't even help. It was like he didn't even care about those poor children trapped in the back seat. She wasn't going to tell him about her date with Raph and how he helped her save the children. That was too risky.
She made her way to the garage where she found Fishface and Stockman working on the van. Stockman was working under the hood with the engine and Fishface was working under the engine. Diva stepped forward, looking tough and serious, and cleared her throat. Stockman didn't look up as he wiped the car grease from his hands.
"Will you stop interrupting my work?" growled Stockman, "I will not take any more of your- Oh!"
Stockman was surprised when he saw Diva. He fumbled with the wrench he had and wiped the grease from his hands as he stood up, trying to look his best for her.
"Sorry, I thought you were someone else." he said. "What can I help you with?"
"Fishface," growled Diva, "Get your ass out from under that thing. We need to have a serious talk."
Fishface slid out from under the van on a motor repair board and looked up.
"Oh, you're that new recruit." said Fishface, "I'm sorry, miss, but I'm busy right now."
"No, Fishface, this can't even wait for two seconds." growled Diva, "Get your ass up or I might just eat you right now and ask questions later."
Fishface sighed and got up from the board. "Wait for me, Stockman. I'll be right back."
Diva followed Fishface into a back room full of tools. Fishface closed the door behind him.
"What do you want, miss?" asked Fishface.
"It's Leopard Diva." snapped Diva, "And I want you to tell me why you didn't stop last night."
"What are you talking about?" asked Fishface.
"That van you knocked off the road." said Diva, "I saw your van. You swerved into that car's lane and knocked them into a gas station pump. You then took off and left the parents and children in that car to die."
Fishface seemed to flinch, but he was trying too hard not to show it.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He said.
Diva crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. She knew he was lying and she wasn't going to play this game. She still wasn't going to tell him about Raph, though.
"It happened around midnight in the suburbs near 10th street." said Diva, "Me, another person, and the gas station's security cameras saw it."
Fishface stayed calm, but Diva could smell fear as he started to sweat. "Miss, I know you're angry, but I wasn't driving my van at midnight last night.
"I know it was you, Fishface." she growled, "Didn't you think even once about that family? Their car caught on fire! Two children, a newborn and a five-year-old, were trapped in the back seat and if I didn't save them, they would've died!"
"I didn't knock anyone off the road." said Fishface, insistently, "I wasn't driving my van last night and I don't know anything about a family crashing into a gas pump."
"Then what the hell was your van doing at the scene?"
"I don't know." said Fishface.
"You know something!" shouted Diva, "You tell me this instant! Your master told me that he wants to fight great evil and if being reckless is what it means to fight great evil, then I'm not going to be a part of it!"
Suddenly, Fishface grabbed Diva's jacket, yanked her close to his face, and slapped her across the face. She yelped out as his hand hit her cheek. He gave a dangerous glare at her.
"You better watch your tongue, Leopard," he warned her, "Because we don't take kindly to any deserters."
"Are you threatening me?" growled Diva, not wanting to back down.
"Giving you fair warning."
Just then, the door banged opened and Tiger Claw stepped into the room.
"What is this?" growled Tiger Claw dangerously. "I heard a slap and scream and what do I find? A cyborg fool hitting a possible recruit for the clan!"
Fishface let go of Diva and backed away from Tiger Claw, a sense of dread on his face. Diva could tell Tiger Claw was someone to be feared and someone to be respected.
"Uh, no, no," Fishface stammered as he tried to decide what to say. "I-I was just, uh… It's just she thinks she-she saw my van do a hit and run on another car."
"It was your van." growled Diva, "And don't ever hit me again. If this is how your clan works, being reckless and hitting people, then I don't want to be a part of it. I'm starting to question your intentions."
"Now, miss," started Tiger Claw.
"Leopard Diva."
"Excuse me?"
"That's my name, the Leopard Diva."
Tiger Claw smiled, very pleased. "Such a perfect name. Now you said you saw Fishface doing something?"
"Yes," said Diva, "I saw his van run another van into a gas pump with a family inside."
Tiger Claw glared at Fishface. "Ah, so that's why your van is in the shop again. What did you do this time? Forget to check your blind spot again?"
Fishface trembled. "I… I…"
"That's what I thought." said Tiger Claw, "I'm sure it won't happen again, my dear." He glared at Fishface. "And it won't, will it? We have special punishments for those who make mistakes."
Fishface quickly went back to the van to work under the van engine. Tiger Claw smiled and took Diva's hand.
"I apologize for his actions, Leopard Diva." He said in a charming voice, "Fishface can be a little too hasty and irritable sometimes."
Diva gave Tiger Claw an awkward look. Something about what Tiger Claw said wasn't honestly apologetic. And what was this about special punishments? Something was still not right about this Foot Clan. Maybe Raph and his brothers were right about them. But she still didn't know for sure. And she wished he would just let go of her hand.
"I've been looking for you all evening, Leopard Diva, and I wanted to invite you out for a dinner this evening. Just you and me."
Diva frowned. She didn't want to go out the Tiger Claw. She didn't want him, she wanted Raph. He had already claimed her heart over the last few days.
"I'm sorry, but I can't."
"Why not?" asked Tiger Claw, "You don't like me?"
"No, it's not that I don't like you." said Diva, "I just think it's better if we start off as friends and get to know each other first, but thank you for asking."
Her cellphone beeped. It was a reminder for her appointment to get registered in an hour. Diva saw her chance to get away.
"Oh, I forgot. I have a meeting with some, uh, friends. I have to go. They'll be angry if I'm late. Thanks for asking again."
Diva ran from the garage as fast as she could. Tiger Claw's smile turned to a scowl. Fishface poked his head in the doorway.
"What was she doing at that gas station?" he asked, "And how did she know it was me?"
"Who gives a damn how she found out?" growled Tiger Claw. "She turned me down. This is all your fault, Fishface! You scared her off!"
"How o inferno was I supposed to know she was there in the first place? That van was in my way. These Americans don't know how to drive. You put her off by making yourself sound too demanding."
"You better not make anymore mistakes, Fishface." warned Tiger Claw, "Your next mistake could be your last. Now get back to work."
Fishface went back to the van. Tiger Claw clenched his fists and marched out of the garage. He had everything prepared for him and the Leopard Diva and she turned him down. For years, he never thought he would find a mate, especially not someone like a mutant leopard. That was too prefect for Tiger Claw. He had so much as the Shredder's second-in-command and he could give her riches beyond her wildest dreams. He could give he everything she ever wanted. Still, he wouldn't give up trying to impress her.
Venus was already making breakfast when Emi and Akuko woke up. They usually had steamed rice and miso soup and this morning she served it with tamagoyaki, nori, and kobachi. Usually, Emi would cook their meals, but because of last night's tea, she slept a longer. The two were still drowsy from the effects of the knockout drug. Venus continued to act like nothing had happen last night.
"You're both up late." she said. "I had to make breakfast this morning."
"Don't fret, Kameyo," said Akuko, "We were just really tired."
"You're usually not." said Venus, as she finished setting up the table, "You usually wake me up first thing in the morning."
Venus gave the food to her mother and sensei as they began to eat. Throughout the meal, Venus's mind never drifted far from Leo. Her date last night wasn't as extravagant as most dates she heard and read about from the United States, but it didn't matter. It didn't matter if you were in the most luxurious place on Earth if you with someone you loved.
Akuko's voice broke the silence. "Have the horse, dogs, chickens, and fish been fed yet?"
"No," said Venus, "It's your turn to feed them today."
"You were the first to get up." said Akuko scowling.
"Sensei, it's your turn to feed them." said Venus plainly, "It says so on the list."
Akuko checked the list and, sure enough, it was her turn. She frowned, but she got up and went outside to feed the animals. As soon as she was out of earshot, Venus looked at her mother.
"Can I ask you a question, Mother?" she asked, "I want you to be honest and answer me truthfully."
"Yes, what is it, Kameyo?" said Emi.
"Why didn't you tell me about the blessing I was given as a baby?"
Emi froze in fright. "Kameyo, I told you not to mention that name in this house."
"Mother," said Venus in a louder voice, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I, I just wanted to protect you." said Emi, "To keep you safe."
"Mother, if the blessing says I will have a successful marriage to a man who loves me as much as you do, then you have nothing to worry about. Weren't you happy about this at one time?
"Kameyo, you don't understand-"
Venus towered over her mother and glared at her. "Mother, I don't want your opinions. Answer my question now. Weren't you even happy about this before?"
Emi hesitated. "Well… yes. At one point I was."
"When?" asked Venus.
"When you were a baby." replied Emi, "I believed that you would find a fine husband. But that was before I realized that you would be taken away forever, with no one to protect you."
"Mother, I can take care of myself." said Venus, "I've sparred with the ninjas of my father's class and was never defeated. I even best all the ninja masters and elders of our clan. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."
Emi was surprised by this. "You did? Even that monster?"
"I don't see him as a monster," said Venus, knowing who her mother was talking about, "But yes, I did. And I asked him not to hold back anything."
"But what if he-" Emi began.
"Father would never let anyone harm me under his care, Mother. Besides, would Obisan be foolish enough to harm me with Dragon Soldiers all over the place?"
"Well… I guess not." said Emi, "But you can't let him near you."
"Trust me, Mother, I would never let my guard down to anyone who'd dare threaten me. I'm not saying I will, if you think I'm going to leave you forever if I get married, I will always have you in my life. We may not see each other on a daily basis, but I will never abandon you. You have to have faith in me. A blessing I have is something you should be proud of. Don't you want me to be happy?"
"Yes, but I want you to be safe and taken care of." said Emi.
"And I will." said Venus. "You have to believe I can look after myself."
Just then, they heard the sound of Akuko screaming from the barn. It startled both Venus and her mother as they got up and ran outside. They both knew Akuko well and she just didn't scream unless something was wrong.
The two found Akuko in the barn next to the horse stall. She was kneeling on the floor covering her face with her hands. Some blood was on her hands and kimono. Venus's mother just bought a new stallion for the mare they had. He was lashing out and scrapping at the stall floor in a frenzy. Venus ran to secure the rope for the stallion's stall as Emi ran to Akuko's side.
"Akuko, what happen?!" cried Emi, "Are you alright?! Speak to me!"
"I- I'll be fine…" groaned Akuko behind her hands.
"Sensei, let us see your face." said Venus.
"Kameyo, you don't need to see this. I'll be fine."
"No, you're not." said Venus more firmly, "If you were kicked in the face, you're in trouble. Show me where you're hurt."
At first, Akuko wouldn't remove her hands from her face for ten seconds. Venus was then able to use all her strength to remove them for her. There was a black left eye with a deep cut seeping blood over her eyebrow. The horse had undeniably kicked Akuko in the face.
"Sensei! Should I call for help?" asked Venus. Though she despised Akuko at times, Venus wasn't that heartless. Venus raised a finger. "How many fingers am I holding up, Sensei?"
"I'm fine." groaned Akuko.
"Answer the question, Akuko!" yelled Venus angrily.
"One."
Venus knew Akuko didn't have a concussion.
"Kameyo, I can take care of myself." moaned Akuko, "You just go back into the house."
Venus shook her head. "No. You're hurt and you're in no shape to-" Just then Venus saw the stallion break out of his stall and rear up. "Mother, look out!"
One moment, Emi was being towered by the angry stallion. The next moment, she and Akuko had been yanked out of the way. Venus had moved Emi and Akuko away just in time to keep the stallion from trampling them with his hooves. With everyone out of danger, Venus jumped onto the stallion's back and steered his head out of the barn, away from the others.
Furious at the creature riding on his back, the stallion ran around the barnyard, trying to buck the young turtle off. Venus had ridden and broke horses before and she didn't need a bridle or saddle. Emi ran out of the barn with Akuko following behind with her bleeding face.
"Kameyo, what are you doing?!" screamed Emi, "Get off that thing before you get hurt!"
Venus didn't get off. If she did, the horse would know it was the boss and attack her on the spot. The horse bucked and spun. He kicked and ran. He tried ramming Venus against trees. Venus refused to let go or give in. After fifteen minutes, the stallion finally tired out and stopped bucking. Venus was panting and her muscles ached, but she alright.
"Knock this off." she said to the horse, "Take it steady."
The stallion knew he was beaten and relaxed. Venus walked the horse calmly over to her mother and sensei. Emi and Akuko were staring in stunned silence. They had never seen her ride and tame a horse before.
"Mother, you stay here and try to stop the bleeding." said Venus, "I'm going to get some help from Father!"
And she rode away before either of them could protest any further.
Emi frowned, worried about her daughter. But she saw how Venus handled the stallion with ease. Usually, he never let anyone near him. His wild behavior was the reason Akuko never let Emi or Kameyo work with him. But Kameyo was right. Right now, they needed help as fast as possible, and Emi didn't know how to ride a horse. Emi then remembered Akuko. She worried about a broken skull or a busted eye.
"Akuko, into the house, quickly." said Emi, "There should be bandages and medicine in the house."
Emi took Akuko and rushed her into the house. Leaving Akuko on a cushion, Emi found their supply of emergency bandages and medicine. Then she got a cold pack, clean water, and a cloth and started cleaning Akuko's injuries.
"Take it easy, Akuko." said Emi, "I'll fix you up in no time." She wrapped bandages around Akuko's head and applied the cold pack to her head. "I've never seen Kameyo break a stallion like that."
"She was just lucky." said Akuko, "You should go after Kameyo. I can take care of myself."
"But I can't just leave you here." said Emi, "You were kicked in the head! If I lose you, I won't know what to do. Besides, I can't run after her on foot."
Akuko was disappointed, but she didn't say anything. besides, Emi was right. Akuko sat down as Emi applied medicine for her black eye and pain.
"But Akuko," said Emi, "I been rethinking about Kameyo's blessing."
Akuko did her best to look at Emi, "Emi, you know that's not what Kameyo needs."
"But Kameyo is right," said Emi, "What if there is a man who can love and protect her?"
"Emi, you mustn't be deceived." said Akuko, "Remember you mother and sister. No matter how good things are or how grand things may seem, men are nothing but trouble. Just like with your father. Besides, if she marries someone, she'll leave you forever. Don't you remember what happened when your father took your family away? You were all alone. He destroyed your life and left you with no one. You were lucky I came in and took you in. I saved you from death. You don't want that for you or her, do you?"
Emi shook her head, fearfully. She reached for the water bucket and cleaned the rag. Akuko just held the cold pack to her head. Kameyo had once again pointed out the light behind her blessing. The turtle had been proving to be harder to convince than her mother. Unlike her gullible and paranoid mother, Kameyo was headstrong, clever, and had nerves of steel. Everything about Kazuhiro's blessing was shining through despite her attempts to control her otherwise.
She kept Kameyo out of romantic relationships, but everything else was having an effect on her plans. With Haku forcing her to make Kameyo stay at the clan monetary every other week, she was getting more and more headstrong and smarter. Emi had no idea of Akuko's true intentions. She didn't care about Emi's wants and feelings as she didn't care about Kameyo's either.
She also knew Kameyo was hiding something. It made her wonder if Kameyo had found a man in her life. If she did, she would have no problem throwing him out of the picture. However, she questioned everyone man at the festival, but everyone said they never made any advances towards her. She got nothing from her friends or anyone else, either.
She was going to find out if that was true, but right now, she had to get medical help. Though getting kicked in the face by a stupid horse wouldn't kill her, it did affect her to some degree. She had hidden the fact that her vision was already starting to get blurry.
