TMNT

Venus

           Casey, April, and I were trotting through the forest path towards the direction of my castle. My thoughts kept drifting towards Leo as urged my horse forward down the path.

           “What was that back there?” Casey asked me.

           “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said as I urged my horse to go slightly faster.  

           “Don’t give me that. You’ve been dreading the selection for weeks and then suddenly because you see a handsome prince, that you know nothing about by the way, you’re singing a different tune.”

           “I am not!” I argued back at him.

           Casey raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. “Oh really? You’re not thinking about a certain blue-eyed prince. Ever since we met them you haven’t stopped smiling or blushing.” April put in looking smug.

           “Is me smiling really that big of a deal?” I defended knowing that a blush was rising to my face because of their teasing.

           “It’s not. It’s just that…Vee, Casey’s right.” She said as if it pained her to admit that Casey had was right about something.

           “Casey Jones is always right.” Casey remarked. April and I both ignored him.

           “You don’t know anything about Leo. This is the first time you’ve met a handsome prince before. You shouldn’t get too attached.” April said riding next to me so that she could give me a quick one arm hug.

“We don’t want you to get hurt. You heard how he felt about the princess, you.” He said pointing at my chest. “He was insulting you before he even met you.”

“Maybe if he got a chance to met me-the real me- then he’ll look past all the rumors and like me for me.” I said hopefully. Casey and April didn’t share my hopeful expression. “I only get one chance at this. I want to marry for love not power. I don’t want to be trapped in a marriage with someone who only sees me as a pretty face or a crown.” I said looking away mournfully.

“How are you supposed to show him the real you? He didn’t want anything to do with the princess. Besides, who knows how many men will be competing for your attention. It’s not like you’ll be able to be alone with him without someone fighting for you.” April stated sullenly afraid of my reaction.

“You’re right.” I replied dejected. “I can’t spend anytime with him without someone recognizing that I’m the princess. If only I was invisible…” I paused considering the idea.

“Uh, you okay Vee?” April asked nervously. “You only make that face when your planning something.”

“I got it!” I said excitedly startling my friends. “Come on!” I yelled as he urged Picasso to sprint as fast as he could home.

“Got what?” Casey asked confused as he surged after me.

“Guys, wait for me!” April called after us as she tried to catch up.

Finally, we reached the edge of the forest and I could see the stables in the distance. I trotted toward the stable allowing my friends to catch up to me. Once they were caught up, Picasso sprinted towards the stables. I slowed to a stop in front of Pete, the stable boy, who rushed out due to the noise.

           “Princess!” Pete exclaimed in shock and bowed deeply. “What were you doing in the forest?”

           I brushed him off and replied, “Sorry Pete, I can’t talk right now. Could you put our horses in their stalls, please.” I didn’t wait for him to answer as I headed inside the palace.

           “Vee! What’s the rush?” Casey called out while running after me with April trailing behind him.

           “Slow down.” April said panting as she raced after us.

           We made our way into the throne room and we were greeted with my father sitting on his throne. “I did not expect you to be back so soon, My Daughter.”  The King spoke surprised as he looked up from his papers.

           “I know, Father. I-” I started but was cut off when my father took in my appearance. He stood up and stalked towards me.

           “Why are you wearing a soaking wet maid outfit and a cloak?” My father questioned me. I recounted the tale of going into the forest and meeting Leo and his brothers. Dad stayed quiet until I finished my story.

           “Casey, April, I would like to have a talk alone with my daughter.” My father stated coldly to my friends. Casey and April hurried out of the room and shot me sympathetic looks as the shut the doors to the throne room leaving me alone with my father and his guards.

“You directly disobeyed and left the castle! Not only that but you weren’t even properly protected. You did not even take your katana with you. The only protection you had was a general’s son with no weapons.” He lectured enraged. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. “What were you thinking? What would I do if something happened to you? I can’t lose you like I lost your mother.” His eyes softened, and he hugged me tightly to his chest, ignoring my wet clothing.

           “I’m sorry. I just wanted to have a few hours of peace before the selection.” I said returning the hug. “I had an idea about the selection.” I continued pulling out of the hug.”

           My father tilted his head at me and gestured for me to explain.

           “I thought that I could disguise myself as a maid, so I can tell which suitors like me for me and which ones are social climbers. It would also give me a chance to see how the princes will treat each other in the competition.” I explained to my father.

           My father placed a hand on my shoulder and spoke, “I know you are stressed about having to choose a suitor, but you can’t avoid meeting them. How am I to explain to our guests that my daughter, the sole reason they are here, is not present to any activities?” He looked at me with a raised brow.

           “I already thought of that. When I greet them at the opening dinner, I could wear a masquerade mask and a cloak to help obscure my appearance.” I explained.

           “Since this is your selection, I’ll allow it. The members of the Royal Counsel never said you were not allowed to do a masquerade theme. Besides, this helps with your punishment.” My father said mischievously.

           “Punishment? What punishment?” I questioned.

           “For sneaking out. You’re grounded for two weeks and since you’ll be playing the part of a maid, you are to polish all of the weapons and armor in the armory after you are done spying.” I bowed my head and accepted the punishment. It could be worse.

           “I suppose I’ll go change and prepare the dinner in a few hours.” I said turning to exit the throne room.

           “Yes. And I’ll tell make sure the staff is aware that you’ll be acting as a maid and that it is to remain confidential. But first, randori.” He said pulling out the dreaded wooden stick.

           “No!” I screamed in panic as I turned bolting towards the door like my life depended on it.

 Leonardo

We made it to the village without any other incidents. The townspeople didn’t pay us much attention as we made our way through the back alleys to the outskirts of the village. After we passed all signs of civilization, we headed into the woods surrounding the town. A rundown looking gray house covered in vines and other types of vegetation was hidden by the over brush. The house looked as if no one has lived in it for years.

Tiger Claw dismounted from his horse and stalked towards the door that was hanging off its hinges. The door fell to the ground with a large crash.

“Smooth, Slick.” Raph commented dryly as he took in the sight of the fallen door and the cloud of smoke. I smirked and heard Mikey chuckle and Donnie wheeze from laughter. Tiger Claw made a move towards Raph and I was about to move to stop him, but a sharp whistle stopped our advances.

“Are you going to come in or do you two have a grudge match to settle?” Xever asked sarcastically from the doorway. Tiger Claw swiftly turned and marched rather moodily into the house. “And someone fix the door.” Xever added as a second thought.

My brothers and I shared a laugh as we unhooked our bags from our horses. Then, we made our way into the house along with Bradford while Zeck and Steranko stayed behind to try and fix the door. The inside of the house was more expensive than any nobleman’s house I have been to. There was a grand spiral staircase and a golden chandelier. There were no paintings lining the walls.

“This place is more over the top than Visiozo’s Mansion.” Raph murmured as we followed Xever into the dining room.  I had to fight the urge to smile while Mikey wasn’t bothering to hide his laughter.

“Ugh. Don’t even mention that slob, Raph.” Donnie complained.

“If you four are done giggling amongst like chittering maidens, we’d like to discuss how to kidnap the princess.” Tiger Claw said from the head of the table. He was trying to make himself look like a king on a throne. I mentally scoffed not rising to his bait. Raph looked ready to make some biting remark, but I placed my hand on his arm before he could do anything.

Once I was sure he wouldn’t do anything foolish, I released his arm and took a seat at the end of the table. Donnie and Mikey were already seated and Raph did so rather reluctantly with a death glare in Tiger Claw’s direction.

“Xever, since you have been here the longest, what have you gathered on the Hamatos so far?” I asked not missing the glare that Tiger Claw threw at me.

“Well, Hamato Yoshi keeps his daughter under lock and key in the castle. Apparently, she has never even stepped foot outside the palace walls and this selection is the only time she has ever any been introduced to any suitors.” Xever answered.

“We already know that! Do you have anything we can use to capture the princess?” I snapped at him.

“I’m sure our father would like to know that all the money he spent on you has gone to waste. I wonder how he will react when he finds out.” Donnie mused out loud.

“Please don’t tell Master Shredder, Your Highness.” Xever begged to Donnie.

“We will if you don’t have anything useful.” Raph put in enjoying the look of Xever squirming at the thought of how our father would punish him.

Mikey sat beside Raph looking uncomfortable. I hated that father ordered him to come along. I wanted him to keep his innocence and optimistic outlook on the world. Everything we’re about to do goes against what all the heroes in his story books would do.

“Apparently, the princess is hopelessly naïve. She’s just like every other princess out there, all looks no substance. From what I’ve heard, her father didn’t even teach her to fight. She’s too fragile for that, a treasure that must always be protected.” Xever said breaking through my thoughts.  

“Looks? Have you seen her?” I questioned.

“No but the villagers have heard tales of her beauty. Apparently, she looks exactly like the late Queen Shen. She has raven hair, pale skin, red lips, and startling blue eyes.” Xever concluded.

“What about her powers?” I questioned

“Oh those. I’ve heard some stories from the palace about her ability to summon flames and that she can turn anyone into gold. All of it is hear say, I have never gotten close enough to see if it is true. That’s all I know.” Xever answered.

“How’s that supposed to help us?” Bradford growled from his seat beside Tiger Claw. Xever crossed his arms and shrugged in response.

“I have a plan to kidnap the brat. You four” he said while gesturing to my brothers and I, “will compete for the princess’s hand under the guise of children from King Samson.” Tiger Claw stated.

           “I’m not competing for the princess!” I yelled in outrage at him.

           “And I’m not about to masquerade as the son of that cowardly-”

           “Raph.” I warned cutting him off and gesturing in Mikey’s direction, so he wouldn’t say anything inappropriate. Raph crossed his arms and sat moodily in his chair.

“You won’t actually compete for the princess’s hand. We are only using it to get into the castle and get the princess alone.” Tiger Claw paused and regarded me with narrowed eyes and continued, “You aren’t afraid it will upset that little maid of yours, are you?”

“A maid?” Xever asked amused.

“Perhaps we should get back to planning on how to kidnap a princess. I don’t want to stay here any longer than we have to.” I said cutting Tiger Claw or anyone else off from talking about Mei.

“Anyway, masquerading as Samson’s sons is our best bet of getting into the castle. He’s isolated and obscure enough that no one will recognize you, and Master Shredder recently occupied his territory, so we won’t have to worry about him or his children making an appearance.” Tiger Claw explained.

“The other princes shouldn’t get to the castle until nightfall. We can rest and wait for the other princes and nobility to arrive then plan how to get the princess alone from there.” Bradford said.

“Right. Well I’ll show you to your rooms.” Xever said getting and walking out of the dining room. We followed him up the stairs. “You’ll have to share your rooms, you can take your pick just not that room.” He said while gesturing to a room at the end of the hallway and continued, “That’s my room.” With that he walked inside his room and promptly slammed the door.

There were three rooms left. Tiger Claw and Bradford took the closest room and Zeck and Steranko took the one opposite to them.

“Looks like we’re sharing a room. It will be just like when we were kids!” Mikey said with a wide grin on his face.

“You’re still a kid, Mikey.” Donnie said as he ruffled Mikey’s hair.

We walked into the room and surveyed it. There was a couch and a chair surrounding a small. A desk was in the corner of the room devoid of any parchment or ink quills. The bed was smaller than mine at the palace, but it was still large enough to fit two people without being cramped.

“I call the couch.” Raph declared dropping his bag on the floor and throwing himself on the couch.

“I guess I’ll take the chair. You two can have the bed.” I said to Mikey and Donnie. I laid my bag beside the chair and slumped into it. I kicked off my shoes and tried to get comfortable on the old chair. Raph and Mikey were already snoring softly while Donnie was still twisting and turning trying to get comfortable on the bed. I shifted on the chair and tried to clear my mind for sleep to take me. The last conscious thought was the image of the raven-haired maid.

******************************************************************************

           I woke up to the sound of knocking on the door. I jumped up from my chair and rushing to the door. Steranko greeted me as I opened the door. “It’s time.” He said in a thick, barely understandable accent. I nodded my head and then closed the door.

           My brothers were awake by now with varying degrees of alertness. “Come on guys. Time to get dressed.” I said as I dug into my bag to get a new set of clothing that didn’t smell like horses. I donned my signature royal blue tunic and black leggings. My brothers wore identical sets of clothing only in their signature colors. I adjusted my twin katanas on my back and wore a black cloak to hid them. With a nod to my brothers we grabbed our bags and went to go meet the others in the dinning room.

           “Took ya long enough.” Zeck grumbled. He was wearing his usual bright purple attire (not very stealthy for a professional thief if you ask me) with his feet propped up on the table as he ate a sandwich. Steranko was beside him sleeping with his head propped up by his hand. Tiger Claw was sitting at the head of the table (again) sharpening his sword.

           “Where’s Bradford and Xever?” I asked as I surveyed the room and didn’t see them.

           “They went into the village to scout escape routes and guard shifts.” Tiger Claw answered not looking up from his sword. After he was satisfied with his work, he said, “You four are going to go to the palace without us and figure out how to get the princess alone. In the meantime, we’ll be trying to find a way to sneak in without anyone recognizing us.”

           Internally, I cheered that they wouldn’t be stuck with us in the castle. “How will you guys know when captured her?” I questioned.

           Tiger Claw pulled an odd, glowing purple crystal from his pocket. “Stockman used some of the kraang power crystals to create a way to send messages to each other without writing a letter.” He said examining the crystal before tossing it to Donnie.

           “Incredible.” Donnie muttered in a trance as he gently examined the crystal. “How does it work?” He asked holding it up to his face.

           “Flick it to record your message and flick it again to end the recording. After you end the recording it will automatically be sent to my crystal.” He said holding up an identical crystal of his own. “The crystal will glow when you have a new message, just tap it and it will play.” He continued.  

           “Cool.” Mikey said reaching for the crystal.

           “Don’t you dare.” Donnie said pocketing the crystal, so Mikey won’t break it or do who knows what to it. Mikey pouted then smiled mischievously. No doubt he was working out a way to get the crystal.

           “Come on, bros.” I said already walking out of the room. When we exited the house, Raph stalked ahead of me and mounted his horse.

So I’ve been thinking about what houses the turtles would belong to if they went to Hogwarts.

Leo-Hufflepuff. I think Leo would be a Hufflepuff because he values his family and friends above all else. He is also always ready to do the right thing.

Raph-Gryffindor. Raph would be a Gryffindor because he’s passionate, loud, reckless, and has a disregard for the rules. He’s ready for a fight and would use his magic offensively rather than defensively.

Donnie-Ravenclaw. I think it’s kind of obvious why Donnie would be Ravenclaw so I won’t get too much into it.

Mikey-Slytherin. I think Mikey would be a Slytherin because he can be cunning and manipulative but not in a “evil” way. Mikey is the baby of the family and anyone who has siblings or is the baby of a big family knows how to get what they want. Mikey knows how to get what he wants. And think of Dr. Prankenstein. Mikey is cunning and resourceful enough to prank his ninja family.

I’m not really going to explain these but I’ll tell you my thoughts.

April-Ravenclaw

Casey-Gryffindor

Splinter-Gryffindor

Shredder and his foot clan-Slytherin

“Wait, only the stupid take this way?" I asked her.

"Or the brave." She responded.

"Then why are we taking the shortcut if idiots are the only ones that use it?" Raph asked Mei angrily.

"And what do you mean the trail isn't safe?" Donnie asked intrigued.

"No one goes on the trail because of Shredder especially since it's so close to Demon Night." Mei explained as if it was the most obvious thing ever.

"Uh, what's Demon Night?" Mikey asked nervously.

"Oh right. You guys aren't from around here. Well Demon Night is also known as Shredder's Night. Legend has it that long ago when Oroku Naotake when left the kingdom of Koya, the night he left, he cursed the entire kingdom to be riddled with demons for one night. The demons would steal people away and deliver them to his castle. There he would eat the children as a snack and the use the adults for his experiments with dark magic. The citizens started wearing disguises to fool the demons into thinking they were one of them and they left treats, so the demons would not dine on their flesh. People started to throw parties on Demon Night, so they demons would be unable to attack them. Many citizens stayed up till the first rays of sunlight because once the sun is out, the demons become powerless and are forced the stay in the shadows until the next Demon Night." Mei explained.

"Are you serious?" I asked Mei. "You all really believe that the Shredder eats children as a snack and that he summons demons to attack you?"

"Of course not, only little kids believe in that legend anymore. I know that Oroku Naotake did kidnap citizens of Koya and the current Shredder obviously still does. And Shredder dabbles in dark magic, but I don't think he is as much as a monster as people describe him to be. I've never heard of him trying to eat children though. Demon Night is now a night for festivities, costumes, scares, and candy." Mei explained.

"Candy!" Mikey exclaimed. "Is anyone allowed to do Demon Night?" Mikey asked.

"Yes. You're lucky you came when you did. Demon Night is the night after the princess's birthday bash." Mei told Mikey. "If Leo says you're allowed to go then I'll be happy to take you to the city's festivities."

Mikey looked at me excitedly with the biggest grin on his face. "We'll see if we have time Mikey." I told him and shot him a look that means we wouldn't be going. Mikey in response sulked and muttered something I couldn't hear under his breath. I turned my attention back to Mei and asked, "Where did you hear all of the rumors from?"

"We heard them from guards in the castle." Mei replied.

"Yeah and my dad told me about the dark magic stuff. My dad would never lie to me about anything." Casey added. Mei nodded along to Casey's statement.

"How have you not about the Shredder? Even visiting dignitaries from other countries know the rumors about Shredder. Where did you guys come from, under a rock or something?" April asked us.

"We are from a faraway kingdom. I guess we're too isolated to hear news about the Shredder. Please tell me more rumors about Shredder." I said interested to hear more lies the Hamatos have spread about my family.

"Hmm. I heard that he has sons. I think he has two." Mei said thoughtfully.

"No, he has three sons." Casey argued.

"Are you sure?" Mei asked Casey. "I've only heard of two of them. One of them is the heir while the other is one is bloodthirsty killing machine." I looked at Raph and smirked and he mouthed Shut up.

"He has three sons. One of them is the heir, the other is the warrior, and the last one is a scientific genius. I heard that they look exactly like Shredder and that they were made from dark magic." Casey said.

"Really? I heard that there's only one son and he's a clone. He's a genius, a warrior, and the heir to the throne." April contributed.

"No way there's definitely more than one." Mei replied. Casey nodded his head. "I don't think they were made from black magic though. That's not how magic works." Mei continued.

"Speaking of magic. Is it true that the princess has magical abilities?" I asked.

"Yes." Mei replied. "They aren't anything great though. She mainly uses them as party tricks." Mei turned her attention back to the trail. "We're here." She announced. "Do you need help finding where your staying or do you think you can handle it from here?" She asked me.

I was about to reply but Tiger Claw moved between us and replied. "We can handle it from here. Your services are no longer needed."

Mei took a step back, clearly intimidated by Tiger Claw and said, "Well, it was nice to meet all of you, but I should be heading back to the castle."

April and Casey have already separated from the group. I pushed Tiger Claw away, "It was nice to meet you too. I'll look for you at the castle." I promised placing a kiss on her hand.

She blushed and giggled then suddenly remembered, "I'm still wearing your cloak." She moved to take it off, but I stopped her.

"Keep it. It looks better on you anyway and you need it more." I told her. She blushed even deeper than before. She looked adorable when she blushed like that.

"I should go. Bye." She said moving away.

"Bye." I replied with a smile and a wave. She continued looking back at me until she joined her friends. Once Mei made it to her friends, Casey said something low enough only for them to hear, and Mei elbowed him in the stomach in response. Casey waited for Mei and April to start heading back. He pointed to his eyes then pointed at me to say that he was watching me then he left to join the girls. Once they were gone, I turned my head and saw Tiger Claw glaring at me. "What?" I asked him defensively.

"We are here to kidnap a princess and you're making bedroom eyes at some random girl. And that random girl isn't even in the same class as you. What do you think your father will say when he finds out?" Tiger Claw ground out.

"I was not making bedroom eyes at her. I was using her for information. She's a servant for the royal household and she's friends with the son of Hamato Yoshi's greatest general. She has knowledge that we can use to take down the princess." I concluded. It was times like this when I was glad that I was a good liar.

Tiger Claw didn't seem convinced, "So, flirting with her was a strategical move?" He questioned.

"You should learn not to question what I do. Last time I checked, my father sent me along because you failed multiple times to kill a harmless, little princess." I growled like my father does when he wants to intimidate someone.

"I hope so for your sake. I would hate for you to get attached to the wrong girl, Your Highness." Tiger Claw said before moving towards the city. Steranko, Zeck, and Bradford followed suit while my brothers and I hung back.

"When I become king, I'm going to banish all of father's elite group. They obviously proven they aren't worthy of it." I told them.

"You know I can see why you're falling for her. She's hot in an innocent sort of way." Raph said smirking. I glared at him. "She's not my type though." Raph clarified holding up his hands in a mock surrender motion.

"If it makes you feel any better Leo, I think April is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." Donnie comforted.

"The heart is a sensitive muscle. It feels what it wants to feel, and you have no control over it." Mikey added in. We all turned to look at him in shock. "What do have something on my face?" Mikey asked us.

"No, Mikey. That was really mature and deep thing you said." I responded.

"Yeah. I'm deep like that." Mikey stated.

"And now you ruined it." Raph responded while rolling his eyes.