A Family's Worth

Disclaimer: I do not own the ninja turtles or their friends, however I do own the Kaa'shans.

Chapter Seven - The enemy of my enemy

Splinter had noted the way Arak lingered around the dojo watching as Michelangelo worked at teaching Cadak. The male Kaa'shans stance was one of trepidation and yet, Splinter could sense the longing that Arak seemed to bury so well.

The Ninja Master smiled gently, and walked towards Arak, "Cadak is coming along well in his lessons and he seems to be enjoying it."

Arak nodded agreement, " He seems to want to learn more on it. I have heard him beg for more."

"As have I," Splinter concurred, " which is indeed a good thing, Michelangelo has always been a little lax in his lessons when allowed to be." His whiskers twitched with slight amusement and reflection on the thought. " You may not be able to connect with Cadak on this level Arak, but perhaps you might be able to find a way to Cadak's heart through another way."

Arak seemed to consider this for a moment or two. " I may be able to show him a few Kaa'shan games but most of those usually require a group."

Splinter nodded then casually suggested, " Perhaps it would be wiser to teach him a board game. If you do not know any I could show you how to play a game of checkers and you in turn can teach Cadak."

Arak had seen board games played at the Jackdall's home some of these games could be played with multiple players but almost any game could be played with just two. " It would be nice, and I'd like that."

Splinter smiled, " Then come with me, and I shall teach you checkers so you in turn may teach it to your son."

Arak after one last lingering look towards the young Kaa'shan, turned and followed the Ninja Master to another part of the lair.

XXX

The Hunter sent a communication to Master Darall, a simple report stating that the Kaa'shans were trapped on a world that they could not leave from. He knew the city that the slaves were in, but he had not been able to track down where they happened to be in the city. But, he was sure within the week he would know where they were as he had caught scent of them.

He stood on a rooftop feeling the cool breeze, his cloak moved slightly behind him as he stood on the roof top. There were some clouds overhead, and the moon was only at a quarter slowly growing dark.

In a way he was tired of hunting these Kaa'shan it was time to end the hunt, and bring these slaves back to face their Master's wrath. He pushed back the hood of his cloak, knowing there were few who would see him.

A huge orange mane hung around his face and neck, triangular ears poked out of the thick bush of hair. His face bore strange stripe marks similar to a tigers, his nose and eyes were similar to a cats as well. His body though was hidden under the clothes he wore.

Suddenly some instinct warned him to be careful and he glanced around at taller buildings and shadows. He had learned early on in his task, that anyone could hunt but, it were those who listened to inner warnings, stayed alert, patient and knowing when to strike that managed to get to and remain near the top of the game. A hunter should always keep in mind, that the hunted could turn the tables and strike out at you.

He moved quickly on light feet, his heavy bulk of body showing a fluid quick grace that seemed a contradiction to him. In moments from a different vantage point he watched as he saw the humans in dark outfits moving through the shadows. These beings seemed to be on their own hunt.

The hunter grinned a little, showing a row of sharp pointy teeth in the darkness of night and then he began to follow at a safe distance to see who these beings were and what their mission might be.

XXX

The Foot soldiers were hurrying not aware that another shadowy form stalked their very footsteps. They had been called out to assist some of their clan brothers, and there was hope that if the reptilian scum that always seemed to bother them were distracted and delayed enough then others of their clan could achieve the task that was expected of them.

The black garbed ninja soon found the source of the battle on a roof top the four pesky shell backs stood in a circle weapons out and at the ready cut, bleeding they stood waiting for the next move from the Foot.

Some of the Foot brothers had fallen, and a few that were injured badly enough they couldn't fight but not so seriously wounded they had no choice but to wait for assistance, retreated heading back to base.

A few Foot soldiers darted in on the turtles especially near the red masked Raphael trying to draw him out, it was well known among the clan that he was dangerous on his own yes, but he was also the one that was often quick to disregard orders or act impulsively in some fashion. So, it was one of the Foot tactics to try and draw him out, and away from the safety of his brothers.

The new soldiers smirked behind their masks and dived down, eager and fresh for the battle weapons at the ready.

"Oh look they are throwing us a party and called all their friends," Mike remarked as he saw the new comers, landing nearby and closing in.

Raph curled his lip and sneered as a soldier darted in a long spear in hand. Raph caught the wooden shaft of the spear in the prongs of his own sai, twisting sharply and making the soldier scramble for a better hold. "What's the plan Leo? We can't stay here forever."

Leo looked around at the options, true back to back they could protect each other and with new recruits coming in it was good to watch each other, but sometimes one had to think outside of the box. Besides staying in one spot would do them no good, it would mean eventually being worn down, and at the moment they were at a stalemate - neither holding the advantage. " They want to dance at the party, let's say we do it." Leo replied.

Leo could almost sense his brother's smiles in response to his answer, as a unit and with little sign of their intentions, the four turtles suddenly leapt in the air moving to land behind the soldiers who ringed them.

They moved fast striking with the speed of a snake when it aimed for it's prey. Leonardo cut down four soldiers in an instant with his two katana blades striking left and right while sending a sharp kick to the soldier just behind him who was rushing carelessly towards him. In an instant the blue masked turtle whirled and finished the foolish soldier off. With so many opponents this was not the time to hold punches, this was true battle kill or be killed.

Donatello's staff gave a hard thrust to one soldier knocking him off the side of the building, but the purple masked ninja wasted no time in regrets or remorse, he whipped his weapon about swiping a few others off their feet and then thrusting back to jab another sharply in the head.

Raphael, loved the feel of battle, he often goaded his enemies with sharp comments, and then when they forgot all sense used his weapons to back up his words. His sais whirled and flashed, drawing blood. He could smell the blood, and sweat in the air around him and in some of the Foot soldiers he could sense a touch of fear as well. He hardly seemed to mind the weapons that snuck in and struck against him, in battle like this it was to be expected, you couldn't stop them all and the shell only protected you from so much. " Come on you can do better then that." He mocked.

But when another Foot member died at his feet Raph gave a wry shake of his head, " Then again I was wrong you can't."

Mike's nunchucks were not meant to draw blood, but that did not mean he could not kill with them. But his weapon was better used to knocking soldiers out or if he could relieving them of their weapons. He whipped them about with skill keeping most his opponents attacks away while tossing their weapons far away. " I think we can have a two for one sale on weapons when we are done."

The four turtles finally turned and watched as the last few Foot soldiers decided to retreat and leave the area, packing off weapons and fallen brothers as they scattered for their lives.

"Pathetic," Raph sneered slightly.

Leo gave a small smile and looked at his brothers all of them cut, bleeding and bruised some of the injuries were serious and would need stitching but they had proven good enough again, " Come on let's go home and get cleaned up," He said with wearily.

They moved away from the scene of the battle, moving silently and quickly but alert and quick to danger and the possibility of being followed.

XXX

The Hunter had watched the battle, he kept his distance from a good vantage point the turtles fighting was impressive, but the black garbed fighters were not as promising in his eyes.

He could see where they made mistakes, moving in too slow, or not quick enough. Perhaps overconfident that their numbers alone could overcome - and yes numbers were great if those numbers acted as a team. One person out of place could throw everything off.

The four reptilians while lacking in numbers, clearly were better trained, more efficient as fighters, and so it was understandable that they would win. He had predicted the outcome and was not surprised that his prediction was right.

He shrank deeper in the shadows as the four reptilian beings came his way and he inhaled to catch their scent but otherwise stayed still. He wasn't here for them, they could go about their business and if any of them sensed or were aware in any way that he was there, they did not show it.

Still as the hunter inhaled breathing in their scent he realized that these four reptilians had found his Kaa'shans. The Kaa'shan scent was strong, stronger then anything he had found of them recently. 'Why not? It makes perfect sense, that the Kaa'shans would hide with other reptiles. And yet, if these four protect the escaped slaves it will be no easy task to return them to their Master.' He mused and his eyes narrowed to slits as he watched the turtles go.

He considered his options, he could try following them and they might lead him to his prey, but then he would have to fight them. He had no idea if this was all their number, or if there was more of them hidden elsewhere, and either way instance, he might just be walking into a trap.

They were good fighters and together they might be able to hold him off, even with their primitive weapons. If there was more of them, then his odds of reaching the Kaa'shan were slim to none.

The hunter gave a soft low growl following the turtles would gain him nothing, at most he'd be throwing away his element of surprise and not gaining the prey he hunted to begin with.

'Together they are a formidable force, but separated they may be, the perfect bait to get what I need, and perhaps make a little extra if I can sell them as well. They might be some interest in the fighting pits of Drogon.'

This thought had merit and cheered him up considerably. But he would need to learn more about them and for that he might be able to make use of the black garbed fighters. True, for fighting they didn't offer much but some bargain might be struck with their leader. Knowledge in exchange for one or two of the reptiles they opposed and he would take the Kaa'shans and the others - or perhaps if it was desired get rid of all the reptiles for them.

He gave a low soft chuckle and turned to look at the battle ground to see if there was any soldier who might assist him in finding and talking to the leader.

XXX

Raph was glad to move off, for a moment he'd been uneasy as if they had been watched, the first few jumps and moves they made he was almost certain of it.

He knew, though, that other Foot soldiers could be around and watching them, even if most of them had retreated with little pride in tact. There was likely to be sentries who tried to see where they went.

Still Raph whispered " I feel we are being watched."

"Wouldn't surprise me," Don answered, " but yes, I feel it too and it feels…" he paused to consider, "a little different a little more ominous perhaps."

Raph nodded agreement to his brothers words.

Leo had sensed it too, he knew it could the usual spies and adrenaline rush from the heat of the battle. But he also knew to heed the words of warnings from his brothers. " I feel it as well. All the more reason to be cautious in heading back."

Leonardo didn't care how long it took for them to get home, he'd sooner head to one of their secure spots underground for treatment of their injuries then hurry home and lead the Foot to their doorstep.

XXX

The Hunter crouched near a fallen unconscious soldier, "Wake up," he snarled slapping the Foot across the face. He had taken off the mask to reveal a young male with yellowish blond hair and a round face. The Unconcious soldier had a head wound that had left a trail of blood, that was starting to dry, on his face.

The Foot soldier opened his eyes and even, though he was just awake and had suffered a good blow to his head, he seemed to become very awake when seeing the Hunter kneeling beside him. The Foot yelled in fear, his eyes growing large.

"Quiet!" The Hunter barked, " I have no desire to draw attention. Now, I saw the beast you fought and I have a proposition to make to your leader, you do have one don't you?"

The Foot soldier nodded his head numbly still staring in shock at the maned beast before him. The creature shook him and back handed him sharply.

"Speak damn it," the Hunter commanded briskly, " I don't need to hear your head rattle."

" Y…yes," the Foot stammered. " I'll take you to Master Saki."

" Good, do so. Don't try anything foolish either. What is your name boy?"

" Jo- Jonas and you?" The youth wondered.

" You don't need to know my name just take me to this Saki. I deal with Masters and not slaves." the Hunter declared.

Jonas lead the Hunter to a large tower in the city, the lower levels were reputable business with offices to lease, the upper levels were living space and science facilities, and a large gyms all for the Foot to make use of but only for law abiding times, the not so law abiding stuff was kept elsewhere.

They headed to the gym area and Jonas passed off the Hunter to one of the gym instructors, the Hunter was then lead further into the sactum asked certain questions.

What was he here for? Could not his message be given to someone else?

Either the answers he gave were adequate enough to peak Saki's interest or they felt the Hunter was being honest enough for he was passed off to another of Saki's staff - this time one of Saki's bodyguards.

"The Master is willing to see you, but he requires your name and a sense of what you are here for other then a business proposal to rid him of his enemies, and you will not be permitted your weapons in his office." The bodyguard insisted.

" My name is Kalvor, from the planet Rhygael, I am a bounty hunter by trade. Saki's enemies the shelled reptiles have my bounty somewhere and I mean to obtain them but need information in exchange, we must see what we can work out." The Hunter stated casually, " if he wishes these enemies of his to be gone I might be able to arrange it. If he desires something else that too, may be possible."

"Why do you feel that Master Saki should assist you in getting your prey?"

" I have good credentials which I can prove, and besides he'll be getting something out of it. A business deal where both of us might get what we seek," Kalvor pointed out, " besides the shelled ones are clearly my enemies too, and if that is so… then it stands to reason if we two stand together against our common enemy we may achieve our goal." Kalvor set down his belt and other weapons aside where the bodyguard showed him.

Kalvor was scanned for any other weapons that might still be on his person and then, only once all seemed on the level was the Hunter lead to the inner office, of Master Saki.

TBC