RPG: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS -->CONTINUATION WEEK from HELL &
 

:o :o THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF A STORY IN PROGRESS. IF YOU FEEL COMPELLED TO JOIN US, PLEASE.... FOR THE LOVE OF ANYTHING YOU DEEM SACRED.... READ THE ORIGINAL THREADS FIRST. :o :o

PART 1: Machias' Punishment.
PART 2: WEEK from HELL


IT"S COMPLICATED. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ, WE WILL KNOW. IF YOU DO READ IT, WE WILL WELCOME YOU WITH OPEN ARMS. PROMISE. :P



THE LAST POST OF THE LAST THREAD READ:

Vespera BLaze said:

*Don started a little, then relaxed. He bounced his foot up to tap the bottom of hers, and scooted his chair over another half an inch closer. He reached for the purple sprinkles*

*Vespera moved the finished pumpkin onto the counter out of the way. Most of the front half had been carved out, looking like a snarling face made out of thin lines. She returned to the table, and looked at the plethora of things she could use to decorate the skulls* So is this supposed to look sort of like me when i'm done, or can I do whatever with it Kya?

*Splinter returned her hug and smiled.* Shoo.


NEW POST:

Kya looked up with a start.
kya: hM? the skull... it's SUPPOSED to be you, but it's also your call. One year, my little sister made one that looked like swamp thing. My grandma questioned her about it and Elidia claimed it WAS her, because when she had a head cold that's what she felt like. Grandma left her alone about it after that. (kya shrugged) so i think that means, it's whatever you like.

she rested her foot along side Don's under the table, and happily drew a "lacey" veil on the back of her mother's skull with icing...

*Vespera played with the sugars and decorations, and came up with something that kind of looked like her. The top part was red anyways, and there was a slash for lips and two blue dots for eyes.* A gorgeous masterpiece. *She chuckled.* That was fun


*Don hooked Kya's ankle with his own, and holding "feet" continued to work on the skull*

*She nodded and quickly left the room.*

*Mike saw her leaving Splinter's room in a hurry, and caught up to her.*
Mike: Hey, Machi, what--

*She was very excited, so she spoke rather quickly* I cant really talk for too long, Splinter's letting me go to Enigma's dimension so I gotta go find all my clothes in the storage area, so i can pack and head out as soon as i can.

*She entered the storage room, leaiving a bewildered Mike behind...*

Mike: Youre leaving.....?

Raph wandered into the kitchen and took in the extremely SAACHRINE scene. Candy everywhere. His two brothers sitting boy-girl-boy-girl around the kitchen table, playing "Arts and Crafts".....

Raph tried to control his bile.
R: EH-HEM. How's everybody's firs' day in frickin' KINDERGARTEN?... (he shook his head and strolled around the counters looking for food for immediate consumption.)

kya: one of this skulls is yours too Rojito. And there's food for you and Kamita to SPLIT in that tupperware near the blender.

Raph grunted and took a fork to the entire thing. Leo shot him a glare.
R: WHAT?! I'll leave her some. Geeshh....
Raph pulled a chair up backwards to the table and inbetween bites, gave Leo **** about his skull.

R: that blue s'pose'da be a bandana, Leo?... (munch munch) .. then why's it IN your eyes too...?

*Vespera just stuck her tongue out at Raphael and moved her sugar skull over to the side.* Kindergarten was wonderful Raphael. They let me play with the messy stuff! *The grin on her face was wide, and no real way to tell if she was joking or not.*

Yes!

*She pulled the boxes from the shelf, and opened htem*
My human clothes...
*She picked up one of the boxes, and kicked the other one towards the door.*
*Mike was standing by the door when he could hear noises... *thud...fffshhh...thud....fffshhh...He took a step inside, to look in. something hit his toe, and he jumped back.*

Oop, soory Mike...*hefts the box up higher.* Could you--

M: *picks up the box, and grins* --help?

Heh, yeah..thanks...*They walk to her room, setting the boxes on her bed.

M: *looks on as she pulls a large shoulder bag from under her bed.* So...Why are you leaving, again?

*She opened the bag, and looked up at him.*
I'm going to Enigma's dimension. Cooler's fight is going on, and I got a debt or two to repay to Enigma. I'll only be gone for two days, tops....

Mike: *nods, then grins, before taking on a dramatic look* Two days? W-what am i gonna do without you? the stress of it all...*holds his hand to his forehead.*

*She laughed and patted his cheek*
I think you'll survive two days without me....

M: *chuckles* Yeah, i guess...*gives mock sigh* As long as you get me a T-shirt...*winks, then pulls her into a hug* and a popcorn...*kisses her again* ...and something to torture the others with....*winks* I'll be okay then.

Raph shook his head.
R: sure thing Vespera. Whatever you say. ... (he picked up a undecorated skull at random) so one'a these things is mine?

Kya: yup! we're each decorating our own skulls... tomorrow we'll eat them.

R: (slowly, still staring at the turtle-skull in his hand) kya, that's really fvcked up.

Kya: (looking up at him with a small grin on her face) its just supposed to remind us that death can be just as sweet as the life we know. There's nothing wrong with dying, Rojito. Everyone does it eventually....

kya caught the expression on Raph's face, and tried to explain so that he would understand it.
Kya; we're taught from an early age not to FEAR it. That its' just like liviing, but ... well... not.... these whole holiday is about whistling in the dark. you don't have to be scared about death... (she made the skull she was working on dance at him) ... just because we don't know what's in store for us, doesn't make it scary... just DIFFERENT.

Raph grunted and put the remaining third of the food back on the counter for kameko. He came back to table and after a moment's thought, started drawing a red bandana on his skull....

*Vespera smiled, but didn't tweak Raphael about his change of tune.* So Kya, is this a costume kind of night, or are we in street clothes?

*Donatello finished etching a shell on the back of his sugar skull and was tracing it in green.*

kya looked at Vespera and bit her lip.
Kya: you know i never thought about that... I mean i was gonna wear a nice sweater or try to dig up somethiing... presentable ...for meeting with my family... and the guys... well... (voice at a low whisper) ... they just don't WEAR much... I mean, costumes never even occurred to me. TOMORROW's the day that traditional for getting REALLY dressed up and stuff... but (she looks kinda embarrassed) i didn't wanna look like a ragdoll for my parents, you know....


Leo was discovering the difficulties of drawing straight obects... like crossed katana, for instance.... on the back of a rounded surface. He persevered though. The girls were talking "purses" again.

*She kissed his nose* Okay okay, I'll bring back souveniers....*wriggles out to finish her packing. She filled the shoulder bag with clothes and other items, zipping it shut. She then went to her nightstand, and took her bottle of aspirin, sketchbook, and put them into her handbag.*

Well...I guess that's it...*looks down at herself* Now for me...*She grabs some garments and quickly puts them on, the sarong giving some privacy. She then whipped it off, tossing it onto the bed. She was now wearing her jeans, and black DocMartins. She looked at Mike, who gave her a half-smile*

Could you help me bring my stuff out to the living room? I just want to make my rounds of saying goodbye to everyone....

*Mike gave her a smile, and took her shoulderbag out to the living room. Machias closed her door behind her, and made her way to Splinter's room one last time...*

*Vespera looked happy* So semi formal it is. I can deal with that as soon as I have a few spare minutes to rummage around in my trunk. I hit the drycleaners on the way here for a pickup.


*Splinter looked up at the sound outside his door.* Come in Machias.

*She grinned, and shook her head, opening the door*

Gotta teach me that...*She smiled* I'm--uh, heading out now...*gives a sheepish smile* I jsut wanted to say bye...and thank you. For letting me go...

*Splinter shook his head.* There is no thanks necessary my child. This is something that must be done, correct? Then of course I would let you go. Take care and hurry home. You will be missed.

*She nodded, and shared one last long hug...*

Thank you Father...I'll miss you all too...

*She stepped back, lowered to one knee and bowed her head low. She then stood, taking her hand bag, and went out the door...*

kya looked at vespera with a vaguely uncomfortable grin...
Kya: i don't think i own anything THAT nice, Vesita....
she returened her attention to the skulls. She'd completed the designs on her family's skulls and they grinned up at her. White faced and ready to go. Her own skull sat in her palm. She was getting tired of decorating. She'd been cooking all day, used all her GOOD ideas one the SIX other pieces she'd done already.... she was tempted to leave it blank.

She was beginning to get nervous about seeing everyone again, and distracted as she was, she carved "C O L" into the forehead before she registered that she hadn't WANTED to use that name...

Staring at the skull that stared back, she decided on a whim to FINISH the name. It was hers. She'd been BAPTISIZED to it, and that's what she wanted to hear her parents call her. She chislled the remaining letters in and leaving the skull blank, excused herself.

Kya: It'll be dark soon, I need to go prepare. Pardon me.
She unhooked her foot from Don's and flashed him a small smile. She left the kitchen quickly and quietly.

V: See you in a bit Kya.

D: Bye Kya. *He looked down and determined that his skull was done.*



*Vespera picked up the pumpkin* I'll put this in the living room, then get my clothes out of the car. Be right back!

*Machias walked down the hallway...she saw Kya, and waved to her.*

Hey...I'm heading out now...*looks down* I'm sorry about not seeing your family, but...*looks up smiling* Tell them I said hello, and all that stuff, kay? I'll be back in two days...




*Mike stood in the living room, by the doorway to the kitchen, and watched the others.*

M: You guys' having fun?

Raph looked up at Mike.
R: if you don't decorate your own ****-eatin' head. I'll do it for ya.
Raph had design ideas galore for Mike's skull...

Kya assured Machias that she would convey her greetings to the imminent guests and wished her well on her travels.
Kya; Have a good time, and remember to come home safely. Vaya con Dios...

kya headed to the showers and back to her room where she lit the candles and tried to get the joyfull feeling back. When she had immerged from her room a half hour later to prepare dinner for her living family, she'd achieved "calm" but not "joyful"... that was smothered under a thick layer of "nervous"

((trans: go with god))

*She thanked her, and made her way to the living room.*

M: *at Raph: Heh, knowing you, you'd eat it before--*sees her* Hey, youre here....

Yeah...I jsut said bye to Splinter, so now..*peeks into the kitchen.* Wow, looks like you guys had fun...*clears throat* Well, I'm going to be heading out now, so...have a good two days while i'm gone...

*Vespera emerged from the trunk of her car, a garment bag in hand. She headed back into the house. She slipped into the spare room Raph had shown her, the one she guessed used to be Kali's and locked the door so she could change. Twenty minutes later she emerged in a green dress. It was cut close to the torso, but not indecently tight, and billowed out into a full green skirt that ended just above her knees. She'd taken the time to do her make up as well, and now felt ready to face anyone and anything with her "war paint" in place. Again she consistantly ignored the figment of her mother that had been following her for the last two days. It was Halloween. They were always bad on halloween, must be the power of suggestion.*



*Don looked up.* Take care Machias. See you when you get back

Raph shrugged. She'd be back. that was just the way it was around here. He noticed Mike's inattention, and since Raph was done with his skull, he took the opportunity to make good on his threat. His looked sharp. the red on the bandana and the black of the sai whose blades overlapped across the entire back of the head all stood out in screaming contrast with the white of the sugar bone. It was time to share his skilz with Mike. He reached for Mike's and carefully lettered a name across its forehead.


Leo looked up and smiled at Machias.
Leo: wow, two days? How'd you manage to get THAT kind of vacation time?


kya headed back to the kitchen in a bulky pink sweater. It complimented her coloring, but it dwarfed her frame and only made her hair seem FUZZIER in comparison. she stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of the lady walking down the hallway towards her.

*Vespera grinned* Hey Kya, I love that sweater... *took in the look on her face* Whats wrong?

kya stared until she realized her rudeness and looked away.
kya: (embarrassed) ... i just didn't recognize you Vesita...

*She smiled at Leo*

Heh, its not really vacation time...Splinter said i could go and see Cooler's first fight, and I got stuff to do for Enigma. *shrugs* It'll be busy, but i wont mind...heh, you guys'll probly enjoy the quiet, while you have the chance...*grins*

*She turned and looked at Mike, who now looked slightly forlorn*

Hey, dont get all sad on me, okay? *she hugged him, and kissed his cheek.* Heh, you'd better go and save your skull from Raph's clutches. save mine too, kay?

Mike: *groans, smiling* Oh no....*he looked at her, and kissed her cheek* Y'all come back now, ya here?

*chuckles*Okay, i will...*slings her other back over her shoulder, takes the medallion from her neck, and reads the back. She starts to glow, and she waves*

bye....


*In a small flash of glitter, she was gone, and there was silence.....*

*Vespera glanced down at herself, worried for a moment that she'd done something stupid like put the dress on inside out. No, everything was where it belonged.* Did I get my make up smudged or something?


*Don sat in the kitchen and relaxed. It was rare to get all four of them in the same room without fights errupting, and he was determined to enjoy it. The minor squabble Raph and Mike were having over Mike's sugar skull did not count as a fight, and the repeated cycle of "Gimme" and "No" formed a background noise that could be tuned out easily.*


*Splinter attempted to regain the calm of meditation he had been enjoying, but the peace eluded his grasp. He assumed it was due mostly to the rumbling in his stomach that signified it had been a while since lunch. He unfolded his legs and stood, wincing a little at the soreness in his muscles. He tried not to worry too much about Machias, but it always pained him when his children were away from home. He left his study and made his way through the lair, drawn to the kitchen by the warm smells within, and the sense of family.*


*In the darkened study, a breeze stirred the wall hangings, but there were no drafts. Soon Nezumi-san. We shall speak soon.*

*Lianna stepped from the shadow beside the refridgerator and looked around the kitchen. She still had no idea why her niece was so taken with this place. But whatever it was, it must be important to her. Ugh, she would never figure out mortal emotions.*

*She glanced over at the two turtles fighting and pointed a long fingernail at the one in red* You. I need to speak with you.

Looking up at Vespera in the hallway, Kya felt TWELVE. Vespera shone even in the low light of the hallway: an opal on black velvet. kya stood speachless in her cotton candy pink fuzz and tried to reason with the envy that welled up.

kya(internal) SHE can't help what she looks like any more than YOU can. you wanted to look your best for tonight. well, you DO. she wanted the SAME THING. COPE; you're being STUPID.

kya: (hurriedly) no, no, no nothing's smudged Vesita... you do look lovely. you just caught me by surprise's'all.... (she smiled hesitantly and only half joking) it's just not very SPORTING of you ... you'll reduce leo to a green puddle before i get to make introductions. (she laughed, and waving Vespera to follow, started towards the kitchen) The fish needs to broil for 25 minutes or so, and the veggies need to be steamed and i was just gonna serve the whole thing on a bed a rice, so THAT needs cooking too, ... but then we can have dinner and then... well, then it'll be FULLY dark out and they'll BE here...




Raph dropped Mike's sugar skull, and spun to face the stranger who had just stepped from beside the fridge.
R: what the Fvck?!

Leo's reaction was more politely worded but no less startled.
L( hand on one of his blades): WHO are you?

mike: (moaned softly at the skull he'd caught) AWwww... RAPH! you carved "Goober" onto the forehead!

*Vespera caught the tone of...envy? In Kya's voice. She came to a snap decision.* Hey Kya, can supper wait...oh fifteen minutes? Tops?

kya stopped.
kya: if it's important... i suppose so, Vesita. Is something wrong?

*Vespera grinned.* Wrong? Nothing's wrong. And important is overrated. Come on! She reached for Kya's wrist and tugged her back towards the bedrooms, specifically the one where she'd left her bags

Kya stumbled but fell into place.
Kya: Vesita! what are you DOING?!....

*Lianna placed her hands on her hips, tossing her long black hair over her shoulder* I'm Lianna, Kali's aunt. I'm sure she's mentioned me. *she waved her hand, then pointed at Raphael again* You. I want to know right now why you insist on tormenting my darling niece.

Ves: Girl stuff. *She dragged her into the bedroom, and gestured for her to sit on the edge of the bed. She took one of the shopping bags and upended it beside Kya. Handfuls makup and hair products clattered into a small pile.* You did know there's a certain turtle out there who coloured his thumb purple because he was too busy watching you out of the corner of his eye instead of the skull he was supposed to be decorating, right? Not that you need help, but I don't want to be the only one with a turtle in a bucket tonight.

Raph narrowed his eyes and shook his head in a mix of confusion and out right disbelief.

R: Lady. I ain't been tormen' NO Bo--
M: my skull says "Goober!"
R: SHUT UP MIKE! Ok... i ain't been tormen' nobody but HIM. AND why the HELL is it ANY OF your FVCKIN BUSINESS ANYWAY?



Kya blushed pinker than her sweater.
kya: he did?! ... i mean.. i know he likes me... he told me so.. kinda-- he didn't really say but... i mean he couldn't've meant anything else.... BUT i didn't SEE him paint his thumb!! (she smiled and then looked like she was about to burst into tears) but WHY Vesita?! WHAT am I supposed TO DO?! i mean i don't want it to stop, but ... he's bound to realize that the scars don't STOP at my farmer's tanlines... HECK... they make ME sick to look at... i'm only gonna scare him off! and he's so sweet....

*Lianna poked Raph in the beak* She's my family, and that makes it very much my business. You have no idea what that girl has gone through to be with you. You have no idea how lucky you are. She's far too good for you, and what it is she sees in you, I have no idea. *she stood back, placing her hands back on her hips* Well, what do you have to say for yourself?

Raph's jaw was throbbing as he ground his teeth. He was getting a finger waggled at him from a COMPLETE STRANGER. ABOUT **** THAT THIS DEMON BITCH had NO RIGHT TALKING ABOUT-- LET ALONE IN FRONT OF HIS BROTHERS.

R: (growling) SHUT THE FVCK UP, AUNTIE HELLSPAWN. YOU HAVE NO FVCKING IDEA WHAT THE FVCK YOU'RE TALKIN' ABOUT. GIT YER IMMORTAL BITCH-ASS OUTTA MY FVCKIN' HOUSE. NOW.

*Vespera paused in her perusal of the make up, and dropped down onto her heels so she was at eye height with Kya on the bed.* I think he's made of sterner stuff than that Kya. He told you he liked you? I'm betting that was pretty recent. After he'd seen at least some of your scars. I doubt they matter to him. If you take a close look, I'm betting he wears his fair share of scars to. I know Leo does. *She looked in Kya's eyes, completely open.* You're a very beautiful girl Kyabetsu. The scars don't detract from that in the least. And if he's as sweet as you say, they won't scare him off.

kya blinked up at Vespera.
Kya: but i look like i'm TWELVE Vespera. ... (she chuckled a bit) ... though i bet i'm ACTING like i'm twelve too... sorry... (shy smile) he does a number on my head...

*Lianna snapped* I know exactly what's going on! And I know a lot more than you do about it! You foolish, selfish little mortal. *she turned around, throwing her hands in the air* Why my niece would bond herself to anyone willingly, let alone someone like you, is beyond me. Such a horrid form of enslavement.

Mike looked at the lady posturing in their kitchen. She was chewing Raph out about Kali.

M: (internal) we ain't gonna have a ktichen LEFT when the dust settles.
some of her words caught his attention
M: BOND? ENSLAVEMENT? RAPH! i never knew you and Kali were into the kinky stuff...

Leo slugged Mike in the arm.
L: SHUT up (to Liana) um, Ma'am? can i get you and Raph to move this to the Living Room? I think you both should have SOME kind of privacy... Mike's not OLD enough for this kind of argument....

M: HEY! AM TOO!


Raph didn't acknowledge Leo's suggestion. He grabbed Liana by the wrist FIRMLY and dragged her away from his brothers and their slaw-jawed stares. HE let go when they were inside the living room.

R: So, NOW what the FVCK are you BABBLING about?!