Venus' Venerations

The other Turtles' Dead Letters

Hello -

My name is Mei Pieh Chi, I was the student of the shinobi shaman Chung I. He was a great man, but he has passed form this world. I attempt to follow in his footsteps, but he has left difficult tracks to follow. I will do my best, as I should. In time I hope to do my Master proud. Chung I placed great faith in me, and I will strive to not disappoint him. Although his physical form has departed, he is still with me in many ways... as he will always be. It is the way of Shinobi.

My Master's final decree was for me to travel to New York City in America to meet with my destiny. I am from China, and this trip was very difficult and more than a little frightening. Chung I bid me to do this as his last wish, and so I did. I found Master Splinter by using the methods of Shinobi. Master Splinter reminds me much of Chung I. Their thoughts and deeds are quite similar. I am honored to be a student with Sensei Splinter now. I am also glad that the Chung I had prepared me for this journey by teaching me English! This country is very different than my own... I cannot imagine what I would have done without knowing the language.

I was very surprised and pleased to meet Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Donatello and Raphael. While our initial meeting wasn't as friendly as one might wish, it did establsih my abilities with the boys and taught them respect. Sometimes actions are better than words!

The boys are very nice. They have decided to give me a beautiful nickname: Venus de Milo. I like this name! I am very happy to also study along with them. I very much enjoy being in the company of "mutants"... as I am one myself. For many years I was lonely, but always felt that there was a connection somewhere. The link has now been made. I just wish it hadn't been in a toilet...er... "sewer". I sometimes forget the proper words, forgive me. I am still learning much of English. I do not know if I will ever fully understand Michaelangelo. I do not know if his language exists beyond his self. But he is cute. I enjoy his enthusiasm.

I thank you for welcoming me to your country as the Master and the Turtles have also. I promise that I will work hard to protect my new country from the evil Dragon Lord, as well as Vam Mi and the others who threaten us. I am but a novice, but in time I hope to be a true Shaman as Chung I was. It is my destiny, so I shall make it so with hard work and practice.

Thank you for visiting this spider page. I know very little of these computers, but Donatello is teaching me. Don says that the inner-net is like magic, and I believe it to be so! I look forward to talking with you in the future.

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello and Happy Greetings of Seasons to you!

I am from China, and am unfamiliar with Christmas and New Year's Eve, but I am learning of this great tradition that you have in America. Christmas is a most holy day, and I will honor it as best as I am able.

I must admit that I am a bit overwhelmed with the season! So many colors and so much music and lights and people scurrying about and singing and ringing bells and the traffic and the cooking and the candy and ... and so very much more! The positive energy being given out at this time is stunning, and it makes me quite happy! I quite like this time of year in the United States, it makes me feel very welcome, indeed!

My new friends and I have been battling the evil forces of the Dragon Lord and his Rank Dragons. I promise you that I will not stray from the Shinobi's duty to keep these vile creatures from our world! I am duty-bound to do so, and will let nothing prevent me from this task save for death!

Enough of such things! Master Splinter tells me that this is a time of great joy for the West, and I will bring no further darkness into this page. I just wanted to assure you that despite the Holiday season, we are fighting to protect our world from any who seek to do evil.

I hope that you are doing well and are healthy and happy, and that this time of peace and love finds you contented. We are most fortunate to be living in these times of great discovery, but we must work hard to maintain balance and light.

Tonight we are to make decorations and egg nog... I do not know what this egg nog is, but Michaelangelo says that it is tasty. He is usually right about food (although his musical tastes often leave me bewildered), so I look forward to having some! I must go. I wish you the very happiest holiday season and will speak with you again!

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello!

It has been a very busy time for us lately! The battle against the Dragon Lord goes well, but there are so many dark forces about that we seem to have no time for rest (although Michael finds ways to entertain us!)

Most recently it is the poacher Bonesteel who has been tormenting us. He is not a very clever man at times, and yet he still manages to bring us much grief. I am unsure who he is working with or for, but he obviously has connections with some powerful people... either that or he is far brighter than he appears. I simply have doubts that the strange devices and weapons he has are of his own invention. Who knows... perhaps they are! As Donatello has said, one cannot judge the book by its cover, so maybe Bonesteel merely appears the fool.

Regardless, Bonesteel recently proved to be a mighty thorn in our sides. He managed to capture poor Michael one night while he was on patrol. Bonesteel had a machine which shot a barbed net onto Michaelangelo as he passed by. The barbs were all dipped into a powerful poison which knocked Michael unconscious. From there, Bonesteel put my friend into a cage of steel and set about capturing the rest of us.

This is what makes me think that Bonesteel has help... I do not believe that he has the knowledge to concoct such potions or devices. Donatello does not agree with me, as he says it is a simple matter for a hunter to make such things... but I sense something bigger is going on here.

About 12 hours later, Master Splinter and the rest of us Turtles decided that something must be amiss, and we went out to search for Michael. None of us had much luck, but Donatello did find a barb from Bonesteel's net. It still had some of the poison on it, and Don returned to his lab to analyze its ingredients.

Unfortunately when we got back home, tragedy struck! Master Splinter thought that the barb looked oddly familiar, and when he picked it up to examine the thing, it broke open with many smaller points which all stabbed into his hand! Each injected a different poison into his system! He fell immediately into a coma!

Donatello had to act fast! He frantically worked on an antidote for the poison while I went to prepare some medicine of my own knowledge. I made some broth I know of which counteracts poison well and gave it to the unconscious Master. It seemed to ease his breathing, which was good... but Donatello felt that the Sensei was still in grave danger... and I agreed! He and I stayed to care for Master Splinter as Raphael and Leonardo went to find Michael. Raphael was very angry!

After 12 hours, Don and I managed to save Master Splinter from what we feared would be his death. Donatello, with the help of his computers, managed to deconstruct the poison and make an antidite which allowed the Sensei to awaken briefly. The Master, while apparently safe for now, still had us very worried! About this time the others arrived home with a vial of medicine. Leonardo told us it was a definite antidote for the poison. We waited a few hours before giving it to our Sensei, as he was already medicated and we did not want to make matters worse by giving him too much. I am happy to report that Master Splinter is resting well now and is sitting up and reading! I do not know for sure what happened with Bonesteel. Perhaps one of the others can inform you of those events. Take care of yourself and I will talk with you again.

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello and pleasant greetings to you!

Ah, it has been many moons since I have now moved to New York City, New York. The sights and sounds still are very amazing to me, and I must confess, no little frightening at times. I grew up in a small village in the mountains of China... I do not think I saw more than 10 people in a group on more than three occasions... New York City is very, very different from my home! I must confess that I miss my homeland very much... and I often yearn to return there.

Master Splinter and the boys have done their best to welcome me, and I am most grateful to them for being so wonderful to me. They have made me a member of their family with no questions asked. They are good and noble people, I am most fortunate to have them in my life. After the death of my Master, the gentle and great Chung, my thoguhts and emotions have been scattered as lotus petals in the Sunami winds... it is only recently that I have had time to reflect on how dramatically my life has changed. The Way leads us along many paths, and we must do our best to achieve balance... but it has been most difficult for me lately.

As much as I have grown to love my new family, I cannot help but feel like a fish out of water here in such a large city. I must do my best to confront this weakness and overcome my fears, but without Master Chung, I often feel so alone. Master Splinter has been a tremendous comfort, and we have shared tea and talked late into the night on many ocassions. He is a very insightful and caring person... I am not sure that all of the boys truly appreciate all that the Sensei has done for them. Without Master Splinter, I fear what might become of them... and I fear what might become of me. Splinter is the only one who truly sets my fears to rest, and shows me the way along my path. I have grown very fond of the Sensei, but he is pushing me to become independent of him, as he believes his sons are. I am not so sure that he is right on this account, but I know that he does what is best for me. He is right to suggest that I must grow into a stronger person... as of yet I am still like a bamboo shoot, but in time I hope to have the strength of the full grown plant. Despite his urging for me to become independent of him, Splinter is also always there when I need him... not to hold me up, but to teach me to stand. He is most wise.

Ah, but enough of my worrying! Please forgive me for this over indulgence! At times, I forget that as I write this, you are reading it. At times these writings seem more like a diary to me than a way to communicate with you. It is great magic, this internet!

Leonardo, Donatello and myself have been busy with what they call "Spring Cleaning". We have done much work to make things as pleasant as we can here in the sewer. It is very hard work! I think that my troubles have come to the forefront now as scrubbing walls and floors leaves the mind much time to reflect! VERY VERY much time! We have spent nearly two full months on this cleaning project, and have barely made progress in most areas! Leonardo says that these walls have been filthy for many many decades, and he is right... but I have cleaned walls that are thousands of years old and the task was easier! The sewer is a filthy place, and it troubles me sometimes that we live here. But this is their home, so I will say no further ill of it.

Well... I fear that I have nothing more to say! I am tired and must get some sleep. Tomorrow night we will finish cleaning and then we will celebrate with a picnic in the park! I am looking forward to this with a very happy heart! I hope that your path is going well, and when it does not, that you have someone to help you learn to stand!

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello to you!

Ah! I am most pleased! The boys and I have just returned from my homeland of China! The trip there was interrupted by some foolish pirates, but everything else went very well! I got to visit my village and introduce the boys to my culture!

I was very sad to see the cottage where I grew up... it was overgrown with bush and bramble since I departed... truly since the spirit of Master Chung I has departed, so has the life of my one-time home. But I was also very happy. I know this is confusing... but it is so. After returning home, I know now that my destiny no longer lies there, but in America with my new family.

We had a wonderful two weeks in China. We spent a few days at Chung I's cottage, making plans and stretching our legs. We would use the villa as a home base for our travels over the two weeks. I showed the boys where I grew up and the fields where I would work and play and practice my skills. Time is very different in Shanghai than it is in New York... it moves much slower.

I was most happy to find the herbs and plants to make potions and medicines with that are very rare to find here in New York City. The boys and I spent several days gathering these plants, and I taught them songs in Chinese while we worked the fields. Even Raphael sang (but do not tell him I told you that!)

We also went mountain climbing and did some sailing and "body" surfing. Shanghai is a very busy port and very crowded by day, but at night things quiet down a little bit, and we were able to walk about in disguise on two occassions. I think the boys were very much in awe of Shanghai, as I am. It is a city like no other... as is New York... perhaps as are all cities! I have much to see and learn!

I introduced Master Splinter to several of Chung I's friends. This was quite strange at first, for while many of them knew that Chung I had a daughter, they did not know of my true nature. I knew that they were trustworthy men and women, so I felt it right to make the connections. I also admit that I have missed them since I have been gone, and wanted to see them at least one last time. Several were not so surprised as I thought they would have been, but Shinobi are not easily caught unawares, and these people were all Masters of the art. Splinter was most pleased to meet so many like minds, and I think he had as good a time as I did!

Of course, the two weeks went by all too fast, even in the slower moving winds of China. We bid farewell to old and new friends alike, and made our way back to the submarine. I took many souvenirs home with me, and many more memories. I am most grateful to the Master Splinter and boys for taking me home... unlike what I have heard, you can go back again, and it is quite joyous to do so.

I hope that everything has been going well for you, my internet friend! Summer is a most beautiful time, and I look forward to it more and more each year. Until we meet again, I wish you all the best.

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello my friend in space!

I am learning much about computers and technology of late! Donatello has asked me to help him with his works, and I am most honored to do so! I do not pretend to know what he is doing, but he is very gracious and explains much to me. He is currently teaching me the magic of mathematics! He does great things with this knowledge!

I confess that it is not easy to learn! While it is based in concepts that I find familiar, it is also very tricky to think in the ways that one must to comprehend its intricacies! I have much to learn, but Donatello is a good teacher!

I have also been working diligently with Leonardo and Master Splinter to better incorporate my abilities with the group. We are practicing our skills with great regularity, and the Sensei is pleased with our progress!

In the evenings, it is most pleasurable to sit with your American cookbooks and study your cuisine. It is very interesting to see what different herbs and plants are used in the West in comparison to my homeland! I also quite like to experiment by combining spices from the East with those of this side of the globe to see what they will do together. Unfortunately, most of MY experiments fail to have pleasing results! But I am learning, and Master Splinter has grown quite fond of my tea mixtures.

I still miss China. The trip there pointed out to me how many things that I no longer have. And yet, there are so many new possibilities here in America that I cannot help but be excited. I hope to visit my home with great frequency... it is an odd thing to be of two worlds. The Sensei is helping me cope with these emotions of fear and yearning... it is often overwhelming and he is a great comfort. I hope you are as fortunate as I and have someone in your life that you can turn to in times of need. I ask that if you are so lucky, please reward your friend today by thanking them for being there for you. It is good Karma to do so, and as such, it will make both of you feel very well!

We are busy with our studies and exercises... it is a most wonderful time! The boys tell me that we have been lucky that things have been so quiet... and I agree! The Dragon Lord has been unseen for some time (no doubt making evil plans) as have are other enemies. From the tales I have heard of the past, I am very happy that the Foot is no longer around.

I am left with nothing more to say! So many thoughts move through my mind, and yet when I sit to write, they flutter away as if a flock of migrating birds! I must make better practice to correct this!

Until we meet again, I wish you all the best.

Peace be with you,

Venus

Happy greetings to you!

I am writing to you from my homeland in China! Leonardo left with me one of Donatello's top-of-lap computers! It is a wonderful thing! I am so happy to be at home, and I can tell you that we have been successful! The Dragon Lord is no more!

I had begun to have night visions after the time of Christmas... bad omens that showed me images of the Dragon Lord attacking friends of my Master Chung I. These grew ever more detailed and frightening, and when I told Master Splinter, he agreed that we must journey back to China to help my people. Dragon Lord was assuredly up to something evil.

The journey here was quick. I spent my time in communication with my old Master's friends. They at first told me that no trouble appeared, but they would be cautious. In short time, Dragon Lord made his attack. We were but a day from the village by then... but we would be too late to save some of the Shinobi. I am glad we had left in time to save most.

Upon our arrival, we were met by several of the most ancient Shinobi priests. Dragon Lord had begun a series of raids, with no evident pattern of time or place. His Rank warriors are most sturdy and hard to defeat, and Dragon Lord sent them in small and large groups. The Shinobi were tiring and fearful of total defeat. The priests did what they could do to weaken the Rank, but the warriors were not well trained... it had been long since they last fought, and the constant combat had them exhausted.

When we first arrived, Leonardo took control of the warriors. And while Michael will try to convince you that he did not do much battle, I can assure you that without him we would have failed in our mission. He is a true ninja, and he is mighty. He saved us on numerous occassions. One battle we won when Michael and the children fell from trees with vines about their ankles. They each held rocks in their hands and when they came close to the ground, they dropped them onto the Rank. They then climbed back up the vines into the safety of the trees. This turned the tide on a battle that we were losing. I was so proud of both Michael and the children that day. They were fearless, and clever!

With Leonardo helping now, Master Splinter and I met with the priests to devise a strategy to defeat Dragon Lord. He had been on the offensive, and Master Splinter thought that we would have an opportunity for a counter strike directly at the evil reptile. We forged a plan to capture him, as he was once before by the Shinobi so long ago. The priests liked the idea, although we did not know if we had a vessel of enough power to hold the Dragon Lord for long... but as we researched this we managed to unearth an ancient box of mystic power. It had been buried long ago in the temple, and luckily I had stumbled upon an old scroll that made reference to it. Once we had found it (a long story unto itslef), the priests began fortifying it with arcane spells to prepare it to be Dragon Lord's new prison. This would take many days. Master Splinter used the time to bait and enrage Dragon Lord. The evil one has always had an angry heart, and he is easy to manipulate because of this.

Master Splinter had been successful in angering Dragon so greatly that he planned an all out attack on us. The Dragon Lord had hoped to defeat the Shinobi quickly and use the magic items in their temple against the Turtles, so that he might finally defeat (and devour) us. Splinter saw this as our opportunity to capture him. Dragon Lord had not used his powers to help his Rank much, as he was conserving his energy for something. This worried us all, and Master Splinter decided it was best that we bait the reptile into using his power when we expected it, rather than waiting to be surprised by it. We all agreed. So the Sensei gave Dragon Lord false information "accidentally"... he told the evil one that the Shinobi had just uncovered a magic item so powerful that it would easily destroy the Dragons altogether once it was fully charged. Master Splinter was clever in his deceit, and the Dragin believed his story completely. As we expected, he sent all of his Rank warriors to attack the temple that very night.

Our plan was simple... while the battle ensued, our priests would focus just enough energy upon the Rank to force Dragon Lord to protect them. This diversion would allow Master Splinter and I to further hinder the Dragon while the priests then focused their abilities to put the evil one into the prison box. All we needed was someone to get near enough to Dragon Lord so that when the box was opened, the reptilian monster would be sucked into it. Leonardo volunteered, but Master Splinter felt that it would look suspicious if he was not leading the Shinobi against the Rank. So Michael once again came to the rescue. Again, he is too modest to tell you, but it was he who first succeeded in capturing the Dragon Lord. He fought off many of the Rank and several deadly attacks by the Dragon Lord himself before he managed to open the lid within proper range. I honestly thought he had died at one point after the Dragon had struck him down with a violent bolt of energy. Dragon Lord recognized instantly what that box meant, and when he saw Michael carrying it towards him, he exploded with fear and anger.

But by the time the evil one had noticed Michael, he was already defeated. As soon as he diverted his attentions away from the Rank, the priests quickly used their powers to help the Shinobi warriors capture the vile, cold-blooded soldiers. Master Splinter then struck at Dragon Lord via the Astral Plane merely to divert him, as I entered his mind and confused him enough that his further attacks missed Michael. I cried with joy when Micheal stood up and carried the box in front of the Dragon Lord! Not only had he survived the blast, but he was seeing that the mission succeeded!

As soon as the box was in range, the priests unleashed their final spells of binding. The lid flew open and the Dragon Lord and all of his rank were drawn into it, like leaves being drawn into a whirlpool. The Dragons had been trapped once again!

But Dragon Lord was very powerful! Master Splinter and I had to help the priests maintain the imprisonment. They worked diligently to invoke the spells of permanence, and this took many, many days. In the meantime, Dragon Lord made every effort to escape and nearly did on several occassions. It was Master Splinter's job to monitor the evil one and warn us of impending escape attempts. I was to distract the Dragon Lord as I had done before. What few priests remained were left to the task of relentless magical assualts as the Dragon tried to destroy his prison. Leonardo and Michael were anxious to return home, and so we bid them a hasty farewell. Master Splinter and I would join them once our work was done here. We would travel the same route that I had used before to get to New York on my own... much slower than the submarine, but we could not leave, and Master Splinter wanted Leo and Michael to return home. He had spoken with Donatello via astral projection, and there was trouble afoot there. So we bid goodbye to our heroes and went back to our own task. After many weeks, the spells of permanence took hold and Dragon Lord was held fast in his new prison!

The priests wrote a new scroll and we buried the box many feet below the temple underneath a stone that weighs four tons. With any luck, Dragon Lord will trouble us no more!

So while things were treacherous and frightening for many months, all is well in the end! I am so happy to have captured the villain who is responsible for the death of my former Master. My heart sings with this accomplishment! And if not for my new found family, it would not have been possible! I have been enjoying my stay at my old home, and being heralded as a hero by my former Master's friends made me very proud. Master Splinter has been spending time with the Shinobi priests and in the evening we go for walks in the forests and try to spot Pandas. We are making plans for the journey back to America now, but we will stay here for a few more days. I hope that everything is going well for you!

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello to you!

After many weeks in my homeland, Master Splinter and I set-off to New York in the middle of April. It was a very, very long trip... we had to stow away aboard freighter ships, which are extremely large and travel most slowly... and one of the ships we had boarded broke down at sea for an entire week! So we did not arrive in the New York harbor until late May! The journey was uneventful and tiresome... there is not much one can do as a stowaway for fear of being caught! I could use my Shinobi powers to cloud the minds of those who would discover us, but it is a difficult thing to keep constant vigil over.

The most dangerous event for us was seeking out food. Our friends in Shanghai had given us heartily filled packs, but we had not expected the journey to take so very long! The last two weeks at sea, Master Splinter and I were forced to scavage for food. Fortunately my Shinobi training helped us on this front, but there were several narrow escapes... and we did not eat well for many, many days. We attempted to fish late in the evenings, but we had no luck, as the we had such poor bait. Apparently ocean fish do not like potatoes. Despite the hardship of the journey, I am glad that the Sensei and I stayed in China for several weeks after the others had left. It was a peaceful and fulfilling time. Master Splinter learned much from the Shinobi priests, as they did from him. It was a very nice feeling to be home for an extended time, especially after we had defeated the Dragon Lord. Many a feast and celebration were had, and there was much rejoicing. For the first time I revealed my true self to all of my kinsman, and that was a very special pleasure. My late Master, Chung I, had shielded my appearance from almost all of the people and priests of our village for fear that they would rebuke me... and his wisdom he was mostly correct. Many people would fear and loathe me due to my nature, so rather than risk potential disaster, Chung I hid me from most everyone. But I was very happy to find that the Shinobi shaman gladly accepted both Master Splinter and I for who we are and did not fear us for what we look like. I suppose it helped that we were instruments in the destruction of Dragon Lord. :)

But after many weeks I learned a valuable lesson... my home is no longer in China, butwith my family in America. It was time to go home.

Master Splinter worked with the elder priests to decipher a safe route to New York, and once plans and supplies were made, we left in the twilight hours. We bid a sad yet joyous farewell to our friends in Shanghai and set sail for New York City... the Big Apple of my eye. :)

We have been home for many weeks now, and little has happened. It has been terribly hot for the past few days, but today we have gotten relief from the oppressive weather. I have been spending my days working with Leonardo to clean up the sewers (the firemen open up the hydrants so that the people of New York can cool down, but this causes much havoc in our realm... it is worth it, however. The children of the City are so joyful when the water is spouting from the hydrants, it makes me heart very light to see this!) Raphael has been in a dark mood, but that is normal for Raphael. But he has spent many hours helping Leonardo and I, and he and Leo are healing some wounds, I believe. They are taking turns following orders from one another, and this does both of them much good. I have even seen Raphael smile on one or two occassions... he is especially pleased when Leonardo tells him that he has had a good idea. They are both learning. :)

In the evenings, Master Splinter and I have been enjoying cooking elaborate meals, and we have gained back ever ounce that we lost during our hardship at sea (and perhaps many extra ounces as well).

So the summer has been mostly quiet for now. My brothers fear that Shredder has some evil planned, and I agree with them. So we are happy but cautious... sooner or later the storms will return, but for today we enjoy the calm.

I hope that all goes well with you, my friend!

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello to you!

The season of lights is upon us once again! Each year I look forward to this time, as it is truly joyful. My family and friends all seem so much happier at this time of year... even the grumpy Raphael can be seen smiling on occasion.

I have spent much time with Casey Jones' remarkable little girl, Shadow. She too is a joy to behold... so bright and cheerful and insightful and inquisitive. Children are so very wonderful to be with! They give one a sense of awe and hope that is often hard to bring to the surface of our cluttered minds. I'm so grateful that Casey trusts me to look after his little one while he works. He spends many hours at his job and is trying to save enough money to buy a home for Shadow and give her a safe place to grow. Casey is a quiet and dark man, but he is honorable and good. Once again I must thank the Fates that I was able to find this wonderful family a world away from my home. Never have I known so many true friends. I have also spent much time with April, and we have become very close friends. I try to spend at least one evening a week with her, and we talk about many things. She is like a big sister to me, and I love her dearly.

On the darker side of life, we have spent much time in battle with the Clan of Foot Soldiers of late. Leonardo tells me that they have grown in number to rival their old days of power, and I see that this must be true. More often than not we are severely outnumbered, but the new members of the Foot are not well trained, so we are able to defeat them for now... but the day is coming when the ninja will all be experienced warriors, and those will be hard times indeed.

Donatello has been working diligently on security machines, and they have helped us numerous times. Master Splinter fears that we will have to move once again, lest we be discovered. Donatello does not like this idea, so he is spending many days locked away in his laboratory, creating inventions that will help camouflage our home. As it stands now, I think that we are safe from discovery, as Donatello has done many magical things to disguise our entrance and exit points. I know that I could never find my way into our home without the help of Donatello's maps! But still, I understand Master Splinter's concerns, as he has suffered through many Foot assaults on their home. And as he says "A ninja is prepared for everything at all times." So I think that once Master Splinter is feeling well again, I will go with him to scout new areas to at least make as temporary shelters in case the Foot discover this lair.

Raphael has been working very hard to make himself a better warrior, and it shows when we battle the Foot. His rage against them is still terrible, but he now fights with calculation and does not let his emotions betray him. He is truly the most capable fighter I have ever seen. He was always fast and strong, but now he moves with such deadly quick skill that the eyes cannot follow him. He swears vengeance against the Shredder, and I am sure that he will have it. I have seen the Shredder in combat but twice, and while I was duly impressed by his skills, and I am confident that Raphael is now his better. Raphael did not only teach the Foot members while they followed him, he learned as well. He has spent many early mornings conversing with Master Splinter about the Shredder's weaknesses, and he has listened quite earnestly.

All of the extra training and fighting has quieted Raphael's fiery mind... when he is home and dines with us, I see a peace in his eyes I have not seen before. I feel that he has searched all of his life for some elusive goal, and he is now coming to grasp with what it might be. It is truly a dawning of a new age for Raphael.

Speaking of which, the Holidays are upon me! I must help Casey and Shadow decorate our tree and make popcorn and then we must decorate the rest of the sewer and hang our own lights. Tngiht is also the night that April and I cook for the boys. This will be a very good night for me, and I hope that it will be equally as pleasurable for you!

Take care of yourself and your loved ones and I will speak with you again when the time permits. Have a joyous season!

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello!

Things in our humble abode have been more akin to a hospital than a happy home of late. We all get very ill and spent many cold winter days curled up in bed with stomach aches and fevers. Michael was hurt the worst by this illness, and despite his fortitude in dealing with it, Raphael was also quite ill. How Raphael managed to do his patrols while he was still so sick is beyond my comprehension. I have spent many evenings discussing the power of the mind with Raphael and how to focus his energy, and I believe he is also mastering this technique as well. I believe that he was able to channel his inner rage to battle the sickness and keep his body somewhat fit, despite all its protests to rest. He kept a truly remarkable schedule for over two weeks while the rest of us struggled to get out of bed, let alone patrol for dangers.

No one else seems aware of how ill Raphael was, mainly due to how sick each was in their own right. But I noticed... Raphael became sick to his stomach far more than any of the rest of us, but he continued to push himself forward. I began to fear for his safety, but he suddenly took a turn for the better and was left with but a cold. I cannot say that his choice to push his body so when it obviously needed rest was wise, but perhaps through this ordeal he will have learned a valuable lesson about his ability to control his body with his mind, and in turn, learn to control and subdue his anger. Raphael is a most noble person, and it troubles me to know that he suffers so with internal misgivings. But he is learning and growing. Some day he will quell the fires within himself, and then he will truly know peace and contentment... but I still mourn that his path must be so difficult. Due to our illness, I have not seen as much of Casey, April and Shadow as I would like. I had been babysitting Shadow quite often while Casey was away at his work, but once we got sick we thought it best if our friends visited as little as possible, especially Shadow, as he is young and has less defenses against sickness. Casey had to take an extra job to pay another babysitter while we were ill, but of late things are getting back to normal, and Casey plans to quit his other work soon. He is making very good money these days and says that he hopes to have enough to buy himself a home in about 5 years. He tells us that if he can find a large enough space that we will be welcome to live with him, but I do not think the guys will want to leave the sewer. For all the troubles that we have here, it is our home. Casey is working extremely hard to provide Shadow with a good home, and although she wishes to see him more often than she does, I am sure that she will understand when she grows older.

I have begun training April in the arts of Shinobi on the days when she is not studying katana with Master Splinter. April is very athletic and a fast study, so she picks up techniques quickly. It has been great fun working with her, although she has too little time to spare due to her jobs. Sometimes I hear the boys complaining that I have stolen their friend from them since April spends most of her time in the sewer with me now, but I know that they are joking.

April has mentioned that she may want to start a self-defense school in a few years, once Master Splinter and I give her the blessing to do so. Ninjitsu training is a lifetime of work and she began late, but if she continues to improve as rapidly as she has until now she will be ready very soon indeed. She spars weekly with Leonardo and he is most impressed with her progress. April has expressed the desire to patrol with us at night, and while Master Splinter believes she still needs months of practice, I think she is ready. April is most skilled with her weapon, so if she is disarmed she will be at a disadvantage, but the best practice is against a true foe and I think she is fit to meet the challenge. She has her own vendetta against the Foot because they burned her antique shop, and so she too has her own fires to quell. But I will bow to Master Splinter's wisdom and allow him to make the ultimate decision as to when she is best prepared.

Master Splinter and I have begun to scout areas of the lower sewers in search of safe havens if we should need them. Donatello still protests this plan, but Master Splinter is determined that we will find secondary shelter. I agree with our Sensei that this is needed. Donatello believes that we are showing lack of faith in his security devices, but it is no that at all. We have every confidence in his abilities, but we also have respect for the devious nature of our enemies, so we must be prepared for potential disaster. We have already set up two temprorary shelters and we plan to find at least two others before we are content. I also enjoy spending this time learning the confusing sewer paths and also lessons from Master Splinter. He is a wise scholar and he has much to teach, and I am eager to learn. The ways of this country are so very different than that of my Chinese heritage, and the Master helps me adjust.

Well, I am afraid that I must get busy. April will be here soon and so I must begin preparing for our new lesson. I hope that you are well!

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello!

Spring is in the air, along with other not so lovely fragrances. We have had a fine Spring so far, although the boys have complained about the cold... knowing them they will soon be complaining about the heat! But this is in their nature, I think. They seem to enjoy their bickering, although at times I must admit that it bothers me. I wish that the arguments and sarcastic comments would lessen, but I fear that they will not. And so, I must adjust my attitude and accept everyone for who they are. Still, I wish that they would become kinder to one another... this is my nature.

Leonardo and the Sensei have found a suitable area for us to set up our emergency shelter should our current abode be discovered. We have begun preparations in this new spot, which is much deeper beneath the earth and very difficult to find. Leonardo uncovered an old door that had been welded shut many, many years ago. With Donatello's help, we managed to remove this door and explore what lie behind it. There was a long climb down an old, rusted ladder, no less than 20 feet! The air was stale and ancient, and reminded me of a tomb. Something had been sealed in here long ago, I think. It makes me uncomfortable to visit this place, as it reminds me of the Dragon Lord, who is currently sealed in a sepulcher of his own. I do not have overwhelming misgivings about the area, but I am also not completely comfortable when we go there. I feel as though we are being watched and measured... but I cannot tell if the entity means us ill or not. I mostly sense a great feeling of loss while we visit there. I have discussed this with Master Splinter, and he too feels great remorse while we work there. The Sensei believes that if we honor the grounds and do much to improve them, the forces will smile upon us and give us blessings. I hope that he is right.

Practice with April continues to go well. Master Splinter gave her his blessing to patrol with us, and she has been on two now. As of yet she has not engaged in combat, as the Foot still keep their distance. April has adopted traditional ninja garb, and the Foot seem frightened by her appearance. Perhaps they believe her to be a feared enemy we know nothing of... but for now the lack of conflict is good. April is learning the practice of cat and mouse, which will serve her well in the long run.

April has set aside her novel for now, tiring of the efforts trying to sell it. She is using the time to hone her skills, and I think it is helping her mind to get over the rejection she has gotten from publishers regarding the book. Despite her connections, she cannot find an interested book company. From what she has told me, this is common for first time authors, but I can see that she is still hurt by her failure. However, April is very strong, so she will recover. She says that the physical activity helps her recharge her batteries, and I believe that it is giving her ideas for another project. She will often sit with Michaelangelo after practice and discuss freelance strategies over tea. We are all very happy that she is spending so much time with us once again.

An old enemy was about a few weeks ago, but I saw little of what happened from the skirmish. I will let Leonardo tell you of that tale.

Thank you for checking in with me! I am truly honored. I hope that all things go well for you, and we will talk again soon.

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello!

I am pleased to be writing you once again! It has been many moons since we last had the chance to catch up, but it seems like only yesterday to me! We have done much this season and been through much as well. The Mutanimals were in need of our help, and after much difficulties, we managed to defeat the pirates who were causing so much duress at sea.

The battles were hard fought, and in the end, the villains provided their own defeat, as they are wont to do. I was fortunate to apply the practice of Huan-ti Shi on the pirates' leader, the Murk Mariner. This practice brings to bear the weaknesses in the minds of those who do evil, and turns their innner conflict against them so that they become as malleable clay. As the wretch battles for control of his thoughts, it allows a well trained Shinobi the opportunity to plant ideas into the mind of the scoundrel. Murk Mariner is a particularly foul character and he was easily manipulated in this fashion, but it is a deadly practice. If the Shinobi faces a particularly devious or equally trained opponent, Hun-ti Shi can easily backfire and the practitioner can quickly become the victim. I was fortunate to face a less experienced foe and all worked out well in the end.

What was troubling was the debate that preceded this strategy. Leonardo and Donatello were not pleased with my plan, and I do not blame them, for it was a risky concept, indeed. Their concern did not trouble me, but the fact that the arguments became so heated made me very sad. I know that Donatello and Leonardo were only looking out for my best interests, but I wish that things had not gotten so out of hand. Donatello in particular became quite enraged with Dreadmon of the Mutaniamls and they exchanged insults. I had never seen Donatello this way before! It was quite unnerving and I feared that it would spoil my mindset, but fortunately I used some tactics taught to me by Master Splinter to regain my composure once I was onboard the pirate ship. It has been a few days since the incident, and I sense that Donatello is still troubled by the event, so I will give it more time before I speak with him about it. Before we departed he and Dreadmon exchanged apologies and all seems well, but I sense that Donatello is still hurt by the incident. It is most unfortunate, but these things happen. In the end it will all be for the best, as Donatello will have learned something about himself, and we something of him as well.

Onto more pleasing things! April is coming over this evening with Casey Jones and Casey's daughter, Shadow. I have not seen them in many weeks and it should be a joyous time. Master Splinter has invited us to visit him is his new abode. What we thought was to be our emergency shelter has become our Sensei's new home! I do not know why the Master has deemed it time to move away from us, but I am sure he has a good reason. Things will be interesting with him gone, I think!

Thank you for checking in with me! I am truly honored. I hope that all things go well for you, and we will talk again soon.

Peace be with you,

Venus

Hello!

My, it was quite a summer! We no sooner got home from assisting Ray Fillet and his friends when real trouble began in the sewers! As you are perhaps aware of, Master Splinter moved out of our dwelling a few months back to give us space. The Sensei felt that we needed the time away from him, to grow as people and become more independent. This seemed like a plausible reason at the time, but we should not have let our guards down regarding Master Splinter's chosen abode... it was a small cubby of a room in the far depths of the sewers that radiated ill will to most of us. It had very bad karma, and yet due to the Sensei's insistence, we continued working on the space to prepare it for his eventual arrival. The lesson we have learned from this is to trust our intuition!

As it turned out, the misgivings we had about the new home were proven correct. While I could sense an ominous presence in the room, I could not decipher exaclty what it was. The Sensei also felt it, but he would tell us not to worry and to go about our business. Master Splinter and I held several blessing ceremonies in attempt to cleanse the space of any evil spirits... but the nefarious being we had not anticipated was the Rat King and his minions!

The Rat King had actually lured Leonardo to this spot several months ago, using his rats to lead Leo to the door that opened to the cubby. When Leo discovered the space he brought it to our attention... and Master Splinter was immediately drawn to it for some inexplicable reason (well, we now know the reason... the Rat King has been trying for years to perfect his rodent
controlling abilities over our Sensei, and he used what skills he had to draw the Master to that spot). Rat King had always had great difficulty gaining long term mental command over Master Splinter because the Sensei was most often protected by us... so the rodent monarch devised a way to separate the Master from us. This separation would allow Rat King the opportunity to finally have the time he needed to gain command of  Master Splinter!

I am sad to report that his plan worked perfectly! After the Sensei had moved into his new apartment, we were left to our own devices. As we are wont to do, we spent much of the time squabbling, becomming completely self-absorbed and neglecting our duty to the Master, a tact that only offered Rat King more time to manipulate poor Splinter! At first the Master did not visit us much at all, but as the weeks grew on he came to see us more often, each visit he seemed a bit more distant, a little less like himself, and much more impatient. Initially we thought that he was just showing us his displeasure at how poorly we were doing without his guidance, but we came to understand that it was actually the Rat King exerting his control over the Sensei! Eventually the Rat King was able to utilize his odd power to actually possess Splinter's body and control him completely! In retrospect, Donatello suspects that our mutation is what enabled Rat King to utilize his ability to such dramatic and frightening affect!

Once Rat King was confident in his control over our Master, he finally launched his attack on us. We still do not understand what drove him to do this, as we have had a truce with him for many months now. Using Master Splinter as his pawn, he was able to discover all of our hideouts, traps and security measures. The Rat King used the information gleaned from our Sensei
to allow his rats to disable all of Donatello's devices in one afternoon. Shortly thereafter he launched the attack... while Donatello, Michaelangelo and Leonardo were on patrol!

The rat hordes swarmed upon Raphael and I without any warning while we were preparing lunch. Leading the rodent army was crazed looking Master Splinter! The rats quickly set about destroying all of our things while Master Splinter (possessed by the Rat King) attacked Raphael and I. Raphael was completely bewildered but defended himself well... I cannot say the same. Splinter quickly dispatched me while I stood stunned with a kick to my head, which knocked me unconscious. I totally failed my family. Rat King knew that I was the most severe threat to his plans, due to my own abilities to reach into the minds of people. Rat King knew that I had the ability to free Splinter from his influence, so he made sure that I was removed as a threat almost instantly. I am very smaded that this happened and that I was not prepared. I was so surprised at the sight of Master Splinter leading an attack on our home that I was simply dumbfounded. It is most embarrassing to admit this, but it is the truth and I will not hide it.

From this point I do know all of what happened. The rats carried me away to the Rat King while Raphael defended our home as best he could. He managed to subdue Splinter for a time, but he was quickly overrun by the horde and was brought to the prison that I was being held in. Eventually Leonardo and Donatello managed to rescue us and I was able to use my talent to free the Master from the Rat King's influence, but it was a very trying time for all of us, especially me. Had I been prepared upon the initial attack, perhaps we would not have lost all of our things... we now have nothing. The rats decimated out home and much of Donatello's laboratory before Leonardo and Donatello could drive them off. I will leave them to tell you their
part of the tale.

Despite the hardship we are now fairing well. Master Splinter is living with us again and the Rat King is seemingly missing... although I am sure he is not too far away. April and Casey have donated many things to our cause (April has opened a new antique shop and had many things that she has given to us, bless her). Donatello lost all of his minor eqipment, as the rats
were not able to chew through his large metal objects, but he has been very busy with projects since then and frustrated with what he has lost. I do not blame him.

That is my report for this time. I am still heartbroken over my failings, but I have learned my lesson well and I will not repeat them. I must get back to work now, as there is still much to do. I hope that things have been going better for you... and remember, be ever vigilant!

Peace be with you,
Venus