The Turtle Charm

Pizza Run

"So, what was it like?" asked Mikey, "Turning into Raph and all?"

"Well," I started, "It was almost like being possessed. I'm not an expert on this mystical jewelry thing, but I think the earring was challenging Raph's intense older brother protectiveness into me and vola, I just had to protect Leo and throw fists with the Krangified Ghost Bear." Ever since I came to this world, the orange-clad turtle had been the easiest to talk to, probably because he reminded me so much of my younger twin, Val. But with that also came a sea of worries. "Speaking of," I said furrowing my eyebrows, "Are you completely sure you're okay? You really didn't have to come with me, you know..."

"I'm fine," said Mikey, "I've come out of worse. Besides, you're new around here and everyone else is busy."

"You got a point," I sighed.

"It's too bad we were never able to get you clothes there," he said, "It does get pretty cold in the winter here, so if nothing else, you do need a jacket."

"It's fine. I think I'm just going to make my own clothes," I said, "I mean if I'm going to Raph-out, I'm going to need something that stretches to that size."

"You know how to make clothes?"

"Oh, yeah. Mi abuela taught me. She taught me a lot of crafty things so I could help with her flea market business."

"Cool! My grangran taught me and my brothers to harness our family essence to defeat the Shredder."

"You guys have a grandma?"

"Yeah, she was awesome...Oh, we're here! Run of the Mill Pizza. They make great pizza, but they haven't been able to deliver lately...For some reason, no food joint is delivering, yokai or human. Well, except for this one new place. 'Condescending Diner,' I think, but their prices are ridiculous...And, I can't quite put my finger on it, but I get a bad vibe from them."

"The restaurant is in this ally?" 

"Yeah. Since it's a yokai place it's hidden." Mikey did some sort of hand movement, opening a portal into the mystic restaurant. Soon after we were greeted by the owner.

"Ah, your here, my friend." said a skeleton man with a Hispanic accent, "Your order is almost ready...And who is this?"

"Tina. Valentina Tortuga, Senor," I said sticking out a hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Senorita," he said shaking it, "I am Hueso, the owner of this restaurant. And where are you from?"

"New Mexico."

"Eres Latina?"

"Yeah. My dad's from Mexico and came to the US to start a Farming business, though he didn't teach me a lot of Spanish. I'm still trying to learn it..."

"That is good. It comes in handy to be bilingual.

"Oyes, Hermano," a strait-up blob of skin stuck his head out from the kitchen, "We're got a call for delivery again. A party needs pizza fast. I guess Condescending Diner backed out of their order when they didn't get a bigger tip."

"That despicable excuse for a...Ah, as much as I'd like to fulfill deliveries, we don't have anyone to do it at the moment. And we're too swamped today to send anyone else. We'll have to hold on until..."

"I'll do it!" said Mikey.

"Are you sure, Kid?" I asked, "It's only been a few days since the Ghost Bear incident..."

"First of all, please don't call me 'Kid'. I'm only a year younger than you. Second of all I sure am!" he said, "Anything to help out a friend like Hueso."

"Pepino...this isn't going to turn out like the time you and your brother wrecked my restaurant in competition, is it?" asked the bone man.

"Of course not. Leo's not here to lose to me this time."

"As I recall, it was a draw? Still though, the problem is that all delivery personnel have been attacked by something, scaring them to the point where they won't even talk about it."

"I can do this" said Mikey, "I am trained in the art of ninjituse after all, so if I run into trouble, I'll just ninja my way out!"

Hueso thought for a moment before yelling back to the kitchen, "Hermano, how far away is that party?"

"Just a block south of us."

"Ok, Pepino, I'll trust you once again to help satisfy my customers. Just please promise me if you get any unicorns, you won't let them loose in my restaurant."

"You can trust me!"

A few minutes later, we were outside the restaurant and Mikey was hoping on a Moped. Just as he was about to leave, I said, "Hey ki-I mean Mikey...be careful out there."

He turned to me with a smile and said, "Careful is my middle name!" Even as he was speeding off, a great optimism vibrated from the earing...