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Some TMNT stuff really isn't for little kids. |
Rihana is a Merperson from the second volume of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mirage comic series who would later return in the story "The Cure" in the second volume of Tales of the TMNT. She was the last remaining female of the Merpeople, and lived in an undisclosed part of the sewers of New York. Her only companions are Terrorpin, who acts as Rihana's protector and makeshift steed, and her young baby Ocenee.
History[]
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 2[]
Rihana had been living the sewers for an unknown amount of time, protecting her eggs with the aid of Terrorpin. Her first encounter with another living soul occurred when Leonardo, who was seeking a new refuge for his family, had accidentally invaded Rihana's home and nest. As her people were nearly extinct, the protection of her unborn child became Rihana's number-one priority.
Ad for TMNT volume 2, issue 5 featuring the Terrorpin.
Leonardo's sudden appearance had represented questions with little time for communication or answers on both sides. Knocked unconscious and embedded into the wall, Leonardo was nearly fed to Rihana’s gigantic turtle companion, Terrorpin. Leonardo managed to subdue the creature, ultimately discovering Terrorpin’s lair, as well as an egg within it. But hot on Leo's trail, yet a level above the nest, the ancient structures and support of this dilapidated area couldn't withstand the overbearing weight of the Snapper. The structure from above gave way as the monster came careening straight down upon his master, the Fish Woman. Sadly, it seemed as if Rihana and her mighty Terrorpin hadn't survived the wreckage. But, her egg lay in tact amidst the rubble. Mother laying over the fragile cocoon protecting it's most precious of treasures. (TMNT Vol. 2, #4 & 5).
Tales of the TMNT, Volume 2[]
Rihana is no ordinary creature herself, with as much mystery surrounding her origins as those of her mighty steed. Ancient wisdom, healing arts, mysticism, and magic are questionable properties surrounding her nature. An entity in her own right, she enigmatically and slowly healed herself. She would also help cure her dear friend, Terrorpin, after his ordeal with the Ninja Turtles leader. She somehow restored the Snapper's left eye which Leo had sliced off in self-defense.
Leaving the sewers behind, Rihana recalled the invader with a primitive rendering of an angry Leonardo who had destroyed her home. She left the drawing near a collapsed wall across from the wreckage. Forever burned in her memory and swimming in her soul is the "THREAT". Leonardo threatened to destroy her egg... left unborn had she not halted her approach during their tussle. After all, he was invading HER nest!
But it was, however, time to move on.
With her beast's dwindled eyesight returned, a new journey north towards safer ground was upon the duo. The exhaustive trek would lead deeper underground, where no human or mutant had ever trekked. A foolish school of Ophthalmosaurus also sought to make a short meal of Rihana during her journey. But, with Terrorpin's help, these beasts were fended off. He handled the underwater menaces with the same, swift, indomitable jaws which almost devoured Leonardo.
When the threat was over, Rihana and her heavy-footed companion made it into the refuge of an ancient cave system. Her beautiful baby had now hatched, the little fish-like creature known as Baby Ocenee. Her birth gave a tiny amount of hope to the survival of a lost race. The small family traveled into the wooded mountains of the great north. Far away from man. And even further away from the angry Mutant.
Mysteries abound surrounding the origin of this giant snapper. A mystery possibly forgotten by the "Fearless Leader" of the TMNT. Little does he know that he has not been forgotten.
Future confrontations with the fish-creatures and massive Snapping Turtle may prove potentially hazardous. As of now, Leonardo is still considered a threat and enemy.