>>6154234Videl huffs. “That day, Izzy said Peppa had spilled some red paint on her, but Sharpner saw otherwise, and we had confirmed there was just a pillow on the desk they were using and nothing like a spilled paint container. Izumi was lying to protect Peppa. So I asked Peppa what happened because she looked really suspicious, and Peppa kept saying she couldn’t say.”
Maple glumly concludes, “So there was not only distance, there was distrust between the two of you.”
“But, I did trust her. Why couldn’t she tell me the truth?” Videl protests.
Maple considers. “She might tell you, one day. Or she might not, and you’ll have to leave it at that.”
Videl’s gaze narrows, and she asks Maple, “Do you know what happened? Tell me, please!”
Maple holds up a hand. “It’s both a medical issue and a family matter. It was something Izumi didn’t want to air out in public, and Peppa kept silent about it for her cousin’s sake.” Oh, that Peppa didn’t let her know about any of this until she had to go delving through her noggin was a sore spot for the proud mother and auntie, but Maple could still empathize with Peppa’s reasoning… even if it ended up paving a road to HFIL. “I’m going to see Izumi and her family about it later, we’ll discuss that. For now, please trust that Peppa had her reasons.”
Videl slowly nods. “I see, I… guess I should have thought better of her, then.”
Maple nods, “And she should have done the same. I can see you were mainly concerned and feared she was being reckless, but she didn’t see that and decided you were being vindictive to her because she wouldn’t confide in you.”
Videl winces. “Well, I… I guess I kinda did that too.” Tearing up a bit, she mutters, “I’m sorry.”
Maple rolls her eyes and wags the notepad, “C’mon Videl, I said you were <span class="mu-i">mainly</span> concerned for her sake. Even with the other stuff, that counts. You’re only human-” Maple the Alien then cuts herself off. “Uh, earthling, I mean? Wait no… Hrm… Mortal! That’s right, you’re only mortal.”
Videl still looks upset, so Maple clothes beams up a handkerchief for her. But Videl refuses, as crying is admitting weakness and is for weak little whiners who can’t, and she attempts to suck the tears back in with sheer grit and determination. She then shakes her head so it looks like sweat comes off her brow and it’s all cool and sparkly.
Maple pulls down the brim of her hat as droplets fall, muttering that even a Videl may cry. “Anyway!” She flips to another page. “So, glad I could bridge that gap a little, but that leads me to my next question.”
Videl sniffs. “Yeah?”
Maple presents a crayon drawing of Chuu Lee which is only recognizable from all the red for hair and the words Chuu Lee. “My former apprentice, and your current teacher, Chuu Lee. Peppa has memories of her saying she was going to get you, Peppa, and Gohan into a room together to hash things out.”
