Family's Worth
Rated T- violence and sexual relations talked/hinted at.
Chapter Two - Don't say the M word
The turtles lead the way down to the sewer though Don and Raph seemed to stick to the rear of the group ensuring that there was no problems, at least Rhanna and Arak did not seem to question it.
When Leo headed down into the sewers Rhanna paused, it smelled awful down there and she flinched pulling back. Arak came behind her wrapping an arm about her middle, " It has been awhile since we've been in such a bad place," He remarked. Inwardly though, he had to wonder if that meant that the one who hunted them might be thrown off, " the smell ought to destroy anything."
Rhanna smiled and nodded gathering her courage she descended down into the murky shadows below. There was water in the bottom of the sewer pipes, showing that there must have been rain recently.
Once everyone was below they moved off. Cadak stayed close to Rhanna but he stumbled on something under the water and just about fell in the sludge and slimy liquid, only Mike reached out righting him.
"Poor kid, you must be tired. I can carry you." Mike offered with a warm gentle smile.
Rhanna was about to insist that he do no such thing, but there was something about the orange masked turtles grin, and the way his eyes seemed to be filled with concern that she managed to nod, "It's okay Cadak."
Mike picked up the boy, who yawned and rubbed at his eyes. Mike noted that the boys arms and legs looked quite muscled for his age as if the child worked out often. "You just rest and I'll carry you home."
Cadak wrapped one arm around the turtle's neck and laid his head down giving into the call of sleep, like most children he had no problem sleeping anywhere.
Arak tried to pay attention to the path they took, but the sewer pipes looked all very much the same to him, and they took so many turns here or there that he wasn't sure if they were going left, right, up, down or sideways for that matter. Even his forked tongue brought him little useful information to work from or with.
He had no idea that the turtles were taking a very circuitous route through the sewers on purpose to throw them off and disorient them a little. No stranger should be able to find their home easily, it was part of what had kept them alive this long.
They had travelled for some time under the streets, by way of the sewer system before coming across the tell tale signs that the turtles knew meant they were getting closer to home, again these signs were not easy for an outsider to detect. Nor were any of the security systems, easy to see - one pretty much had to know where to look and know what it was they were looking for to know if they were on the right track.
Finally, a bit of a brick wall seemed to slide back a little and behind it lay a dry area that was the turtle's home. The scent of incense and candles burned, there was a large open section that was clearly a living room with a battered torn couch, a couple of chairs, some tables and small rugs or mats.
In one of the chairs watching television was an old rat, his hair growing grey in places, a walking stick propped near his reclining chair, his dark eyes though seemed bright and clear. He wore a robe around his body, and turned his head, "Welcome home my sons," he greeted the four turtles. If he was surprised to see the three bipedal lizard beings with his sons he made no comment, though his whiskers did twitch ever so slightly. " You have brought home guests I see."
"Yes, Master" Leonardo replied bowing respectfully.
Arak's tail slapped sharply " Master?" He hissed his body tensed and the frills he displayed on first seeing the turtles rose again now in sheer anger and indignation. "Rhanna grab Cadak, we are not staying!"
Cadak woke from the shout and whimpered, slightly at the call.
"Wait hold on, calm down" Mike protested as Rhanna grabbed Cadak from his arms, he released the boy simply because he did not want Cadak to become a tug of war rope. Besides Rhanna was the child's mother.
Splinter sensed anger, fear and more coming from the three, if anything it seemed Leonardo's greeting had sent the lizards into a sheer flight or fight panic mode.
" Look, you are free to go whenever you wish," Splinter spoke up calmly and soothingly. " And my sons can take you back above ground if that is truly what you desire."
"We do!" Arak snapped, he shot a scathing look to Don and Raph, who still stood behind them as if waiting for them to get past.
"You'll get lost down here if you go on your own," Don warned them. "What is your problem, you came willingly it was your choice, we offered you our hospitality but if you don't want it then just say so."
"You said nothing about a Master!" Rhanna accused her tail swishing irritably.
Leo blinked wondering why the Kaa'shan family were so concerned about that.
Cadak squirmed in Rhanna's arms and looked over at Master Splinter, "Sorry, sorry Master." the boy piped he kept squirming so frantically Rhanna was forced to put him down or drop him. Cadak almost instantly went over and dropped in a low submissive bow before Splinter's chair. "Forgive Master." The boy shook slightly and his short tail moved constantly.
The four turtles stared at the small boy and looked then at one another with equal looks of astonishment and uncertainty.
Splinter sighed realizing that the word Master struck a very strong negative chord with this family. He looked at the child who cowered in fear in front of him and Splinter felt a great deal sympathy for the boy wash over him, " It is all right child you are forgiven, you have done no wrong." Splinter soothed, Cadak looked up uncertainly.
Splinter smiled, gently " My sons call me that because I have mastered a form of fighting arts which, I taught them to keep them safe. But as I can see that the word has strong negative connections for you, we will forego that title and stick with the word Sensei which means teacher, for your comfort." He looked at each of his sons to ensure that they understood this ruling of his. " I sense you are tired and been through a great deal perhaps we can help you."
Rhanna went over and kneeled by Cadak, hugging the boy and pulling him into her arms. She spoke in another language soothing the child and trying to comfort him and while she heard Splinter's words she still wanted out of here now.
"Please, you are still welcome to stay as our guests and at least rest till the night time when you can leave, at least then it will be safer for your family." Splinter suggested, as if sensing Rhanna's thoughts.
Arak's frills lowered, he knew in their present condition they could not go far, or do much and sooner or later hunger and exhaustion would end up with them caught. The rat's words were soothing enough and if he was a true Master then he seemed to be at least a decent one- and he doubted such beings existed. "We will stay for one night." he permitted.
He walked over and gave a bold look at Splinter as he helped Rhanna to her feet. Cadak just huddled close to Rhanna, a terrified look on his face as he clung to her.
Raph snorted as if he expected the family to change their minds yet again somewhere along the line.
After Rhanna, Arak and Cadak had been introduced to the elderly rat he looked their way. "So you may feel more at ease I will tell you our story, and perhaps you can share yours later." Splinter offered.
" If you don't mind Sensei, I'll go in the kitchen and get some food made. I'm hungry and I'm sure our guests wouldn't mind a bite of um breakfast." Mike stated.
Splinter nodded, " Bring out a bowl of fruit for the time being my son, and perhaps some fresh tea would be good."
Mike nodded before departing and heading into the kitchen, on the table sat a wooden bowl of fruit, a couple apples, bananas, oranges and grapes. He carried the bowl out to the living room and set it down on the coffee table where it was easily reached. Mike couldn't fail to notice Cadak's eyes lock onto the bowl of fruit, the turtle could have sworn the young boy was about ready to drool like a Pavlovian dog. "Go on, help yourselves. I'll be back with the tea when it's ready."
Cadak though looked towards Splinter as if seeking his permission. Splinter nodded, " Eat, that is what it is there for."
Cadak took a banana and bit it without peeling it, munching at the mouthful happily. Raph snickered but a look from Splinter quickly caused the red masked ninja to fall silent. Leonardo shook his head.
" Hey, don't eat the peel. Here take the yellow part off, give it here Cadak and I'll show you." Leo spoke up, doing his best to keep any hint of amusement from his face.
Reluctantly, the boy handed over the fruit a sad look on his face, but he watched as Leo peeled the fruit and handed it back to him, " there just that part is eatable."
"Thank you" the boy peeped before taking a fresh bite.
Rhanna and Arak also helped themselves to some of the fruit. But they were more aware of the peels on things and did not make the same mistake as their son had.
Splinter told them the story of their mutation, interrupted only slightly when Mike brought in the tea, and for Cadak a large glass of apple juice to drink. Cadak grinned wide, he couldn't recall being treated ever so good anywhere. In his child mind the good fruit and Splinter's kind words was more than enough to make the boy ready to stay.
Splinter continued on with his tale about their mutation Rhanna and Arak listened in silence especially to certain aspects such as how they would be viewed or treated in the world above.
By the time Splinter had finished his tale their was an incredible aroma wafting into the room from the kitchen.
"Smells like Mike has breakfast ready and I'm hungry," Raph said rising from his seat. "Best git there fast before Mikey, eats all of it on us."
Splinter got up from his chair and gestured to the three Kaa'shans " Come join us for breakfast."
Rhanna and Arak got up, nodding. "Lets go eat Cadak."
Cadak blinked a puzzled look on his face, they had eaten they had fruit and it had been very good too. But with no complaint and the knowledge of being called to come the boy followed after.
They headed into the kitchen where Mike had the table set, there was eggs, bacon and French toast. Coffee was ready for those who might want it, and there was juice, tea for Splinter or others who may desire it and there was one place that had a glass of chocolate milk.
"It smells delicious" Rhanna said.
"Thank you, here Cadak little buddy, come sit at this spot." Mike gestured to the area where the chocolate milk had been placed. "and help yourself to anything you like."
Rhanna sat close to where Cadak was and dished up a plate for the boy. She didn't want to give him too much for she knew that such good food might make him sick, especially as he wasn't used to it.
Mike grinned "How does he like his French toast, most of our family likes it with just a bit of syrup - Sensei doesn't have much of a sweet tooth so he may have some peanut butter and jam. But me, aw can't go wrong with a little icing sugar topped off with syrup."
Don shook his head, " I'm surprised half your teeth haven't rotted out from the sugar and junk you eat Mike."
Rhanna chuckled at the exchange while watching the boys and Splinter get their food ready. Leo, Don and Splinter seemed to take only a little bit while Raph and Mike piled their plates quite a bit but there was still enough for their guests. Rhanna put a little syrup onto Cadak's toast.
The boy blinked in surprise, so much food, all for him he couldn't believe it. He stared at the food for a moment as if not sure where to start on it, he glanced around nervously seeing others eating the food, but not sure if he should touch what was before him or not.
"Eat up Cadak." Arak said, "Or at least try some of the food."
Cadak nodded " Yes, Arak." He said before starting to eat the food, he focused on the meat first, which happened to be a very rare treat for him.
Mike sat down to join them and he chuckled as he saw the boy packing away the food at a good pace. "Slow down and enjoy it and there is more if you want it."
Rhanna helped herself to the food, she ate a bit of food and found it to be good, flavourful and satisfying. 'Now if we can rest and clean up later, I'm sure I'd feel better then I have in years.'
While they ate the boys often asked their guests simple questions, to learn a little about them.
"Where did you come from?" Don inquired.
"Our home world is Kaa'shyk we live in the jungles area of the world, to the North are the rocky hills that once had been a vast mountain range, to the south swampland, the worst places to live." Arak said, " To the East and the West is the grasslands. I've heard rumours that beyond what once was mountains is a valley, desert and ocean but don't know if it is true or not."
Leonardo had noticed the sharp claws on the Kaa'shans fingers, and on the adults tails were small barb projections near the end of the tail, they were similar claws and barbs for Cadak though smaller. Recalling the way they swung the tail he had a feeling they would be effective weapons. " Do all of your kind grow those sharp nails and have the tail barbs?"
Rhanna arched an eye ridge, strangers often did not note such details as that about them. " Yes, it is common for our kind. We live around trees and often climb them to get food, or safety from predators. Kaa'shan villages are usually around trees, near them, or in them, or both." She explained, " we can climb just about any tree fairly quickly with them."
"I, bet it would do some damage being clipped by them too" Raph muttered appreciatively.
Rhanna shrugged, " They can be used that way too, our natural weapons the barbs can dig into the bark of a tree or even a good thick hide. Children at home are often taught to use such things as well as their hands and feet to protect themselves against predators." She said, " Cadak hasn't had a chance to learn much of that yet."
Arak nodded, " We use spears for hunting and some small knives for throwing games and the like. There happens to be many vicious predators back home, so it is best to know how to fight or do your best to fend them off."
This information while sought for casually, and their replies gave the turtles a little more insight into their guests. They came from a harsh world and place of their own, they could probably manage basic hand to hand skills and rudimentary weapon skills, at least to some extent.
"What do you guys do for fun?" Mike wondered.
" We tell stories, and play games. We do as we please in making or crafting certain things, I used to love to cook." Rhanna said, " But mostly we enjoyed being with one another."
Arak chuckled, " We are simple, have little or no technology. The Kaa'shan will swim in lakes and other sources of water, hunt or gather the food that is needed. Beyond that it is enjoy life however one can," he smirked a little and his tail flicked.
"Hunt?" Raph perked up, "What do you hunt?"
Rhanna turned, " One of the most vicious predators to hunt on our world is the two headed white bear like creature called a hodo. Hodo hunts are a right of passage, their meat and fat is used as is their hide and all other parts we can. Course we hunt the other beasts too, the herbivore small creatures and larger sized ones as well."
By the time they had finished breakfast, they had learned a little more about their guests. Mike rose to clear the table and Leo went to assist him. Cadak got out of his seat and without any order began removing the dirty dishes to the sink often asking if people were done with them before taking them.
"You don't have to help little guy." Mike grinned.
"Cadak likes to help." Rhanna said with a casual shrug.
"It does not hurt for a child to learn young, to help out assist others," Splinter agreed.
Leo smiled, " Well, can he wash dishes?"
Cadak nodded, " Can wash. Mas'er" He confirmed in his soft quiet voice.
Leo laughed, " I'm no Master yet."
Arak scowled and his tail thumped the floor hard, " Cadak no more of that word. No Masters," he practically hissed the order.
Cadak winced and flinched slightly. His grip tightened on the dish he was carrying as he stared wide eyed at the male Kaa'shan. He nodded his head meekly, " Yes Arak. Sorry."
Splinter looked at his sons, " Perhaps when you have finished clean up we can hear how our guest have come to be here, I am keen to learn what has brought them to us, at least whatever they can tell us of that."
"Yes Sensei it shouldn't take long." Don said as he rose to help with cleaning and putting away of the dishes. He gently placed a hand on Cadak's head giving it an affectionate rub and smiled at the boy.
Rhanna glanced at her mate, true they should tell these people something but she had no idea how much to tell them, or what not to tell them. A part of her wanted to trust these four turtles and Splinter another told her it was wiser not to.
Arak crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes, while Splinter's words were kind and gentle he almost sensed or felt the hint of order to them and he resented it. Nor did he feel it was necessary to repay their hosts in kind because he knew so little about them anyways. For all he knew any information he gave them would be used to harm him, and his family later.
Rhanna scowled seeing his look, and decided a gentle reminder would not hurt " They have been kind to us Arak." She looked over to see Don washing the dishes, Leo drying them and putting them away. She called Cadak to come with her and Arak back out towards the living room.
By the time the boys were done and had joined them Cadak looked half asleep as he cuddled up to Rhanna on the couch. The good food and sheer exhaustion had taken their toll and with a full stomach sleep was coming fast.
Mike grinned when he saw the guy, "Tell ya what, I'll let him sleep in my room for now."
"Kid will be right at home there. Plenty of toys in there." Raph remarked.
"Cadak won't bother them" Rhanna declared.
Mike gave her a baffled look, " Toys are meant to be played with," he said emphatically, " You want to come tuck him in?" He asked of Rhanna.
Rhanna nodded and followed Mike as he packed the boy off to a bedroom, she saw what Raph had meant there were plenty of toys in Mike's room, strange figures and things, stuffed animals and more.
Mike placed Cadak on the bed and pulled some blankets around him. Rhanna tucked Cadak in and whispered to him " Rest well my son, you're a good boy."
Mike went to a shelf and took down a stuffed bear, one eye was missing and most of the hair had rubbed or worn off at one point or another but he placed the toy close to Cadak. " He'll take care of you, while you sleep."
Cadak yawned and wrapped a small arm around the toy clutching it close to him.
Rhanna wanted to stay there and watch him sleep but she knew they had probably put off the inevitable far too long, it was time she realized to go out and offer at least some of their story in exchange for the hospitality they had received up till now.
TBC