Hello everyone. Here's the next chapter. I had no intentions of making the story this long but it's developed a life of its own. Hopefully, I will have it finished within a two or three more chapters. (hopefully) Oh, I messed up a little earlier. There isn't supposed to be any customers yet. So that's how I wrote it for this chapter. I'll go back and edit the last one later.
Here's some background info for you. A shitoki is a beaded necklace with a medallion. The medallion often represents a white tailed sea eagle (this seemed appropriate for Ren). The more strands and beads a necklace has, the more valuable it is. It is given to protect the wearer from evil spirits. I also did some checking for some Japanese dishes. It made me hungry. Needless to say, I had gyoza for dinner. Thanks to everyone who reviews. It makes my day to see review alert in my email box.
I do not own the turtles or anything else from mirage studios or their affiliates (darn it). Ren, Akio, Yasuo, Ryu and his lackeys sprang from my imagination but if anyone else can find use for them, more power to you.
(This is the fine print you should always read before signing anything: legal disclaimer done)
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Raphael was dragged, literally, into the dining area of the restaurant. His youngest brother very roughly turned Raphael around to face the wall.
"Look!" he exclaimed.
Raphael's eyes grew wide with astonishment. On the wall, hung a framed scroll with several small drawings around them. Each drawing contained a picture of one or all of the turtles. Raphael grinned wide as he remembered what was told to him about Yoshi. Each small drawing contained some Kanji. Raphael read through each as they retold events leading up to the deciding battle. The large drawing in the center showed all four turtles dressed in full uniform with the weapons. The kanji written on the paper told about the final battle and how the daimyo was defeated. Raphael felt a hand touch his shoulder but didn't budge.
"Cool huh bro'?" Michelangelo whispered.
"Way cool Mike"
"Raphael, Michelangelo?"
Both turtles looked to see Yasuo, Ren, and Akio staring at them.
"How did you get these?" Raphael asked Yasuo.
"We are direct descendents of Yoshi. The drawings have been passed down from generation to generation."
Silence reigned for a moment as Raphael continued to eye the artwork. He admired the skill Yoshi exhibited. The lines were soft and fluid but still showed strength.
"Hey Raph?"
"Yeah Mikey?"
"Are you gonna' send me home? Cause I'd really like to stay and help."
Raphael turned around with his arms crossed and a very stern look on his face. He had every intention of sending his brother home but his eyes met a very sad looking face that only his younger brother could give. Raphael knew that arguing with Michelangelo at this point was futile. "Fine," he sighed, exasperated. His arms dropped to his sides and he stared at the ceiling, as if her were searching or some divined intervention but was never answered.
"AWESOME!" Michelangelo and Akio cheered and high-fived each other. After the two settled down, Michelangelo eyed Raphael and spoke. "By the way, I called home to tell everyone I was OK but no one picked up."
"Great," Raph said sarcastically. That means they're probably following out tracks and will be here soon."
With his agitation growing, Raphael turned to Yasuo, "I gotta' work out some frustrations. You got something I can chop into little pieces?"
Yasuo laughed in response and gestured toward the kitchen. "Right this way Raphael. You're help will be greatly appreciated."
The two left for the kitchen as Ren turned around, "OK guys. Let's get these chairs down and get everything out."
"Yes ma'am," the turtle and young boy saluted and went to work. Ran just rolled her eyes and smiled. Brothers she thought to herself.
Tell me about it. She heard in response. She grinned and went about starting to work.
About a half an hour later, a smaller than expected lunch crowd came in. At first, Michelangelo his from the humans but Ren pulled him out from his little nook. He stood their frozen eyes closed tight, waiting for screams but didn't hear any. He slowly opened his eyes when Ren whispered for him to. He looked forward to five elderly people smiling at him.
One of the ladies got up and clasped Michelangelo's hand in her two. "You are most welcome here," she said to him.
Michelangelo turned his head and shouted behind him to the kitchen, "Hey Raph! Get in here quick!"
Raphael raced around the corner ready for trouble. He immediately stopped when he saw several sets of eyes staring at him. "Uh Oh" was all he could say.
"Cool huh Raph? They're not scared of us here."
The elderly lady who had welcomed Michelangelo walked over to Raphael. He looked at her and was eased by the smile on her face. She grabbed Raphael's free hand, "We do not fear those who have come to help us. Which one are you?"
"Raph….Raphael" was all he could say.
"Welcome Raphael."
Ren and Akio were standing by the windows, laughing at Raphael. The four other customers were busy talking to Michelangelo.
The elderly woman noticed the apron on Raphael and the knife in his left hand. "Yasuo has you working in the kitchen?" she asked in disbelief.
"I volunteered to help out."
She smiled at him and patted his arm. "Very well then. We will not keep you from your task." She paused a moment and looked at Michelangelo as he enthusiastically told the other customers about his family adventures, tokka, Razar, and defeating the shredder. "I see we will be entertained, Raphael."
"Yes ma'am," he answered softly. "If I know my brother, you dinner here will not be boring."
Raphael went back into the kitchen. Yasuo eyed him for a moment and grinned widely. "I take it everything went well?"
"Yeah." Raphael responded. "It just seems weird to not hear people scream at the sight of me."
Yasuo walked over to Raphael carrying a tray of food. "You must remember Raphael, these are people who have known of your existence for generations. Stories have been passed down, telling of your heroic deeds. They have no reason to fear you."
"Yeah but it just seems weird," Raphael spoke as he absentmindedly shredded the cabbage.
"True, true," Yasuo responded. "It is hard to change a lifetime of apprehension and perhaps…." he caught Raphael's eye, "fear?"
Raphael just shrugged in response. Yasuo set the tray down in front of Raphael, "Take this into Ren please."
Raphael obligingly took the tray and began to walk out of the kitchen.
"Raphael," Raphael stopped and turned to Yasuo. "I am glad you are here. Ryu is an enemy we could not face alone." Yasuo bowed deeply to Raphael.
Raphael grinned and bowed back," You are most welcome."
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Short chapter I know. Please review. I would welcome any compliments or criticisms of my writing.
