When Ashton reached the lair, she noticed that everyone was there. She stopped, winded and breathless, near the entrance.

"What's up Ash?" asked Mikey, noticing Ashton's breathless stance.

Ashton took a deep breath. "You wouldn't believe, who, I just met up with." she said as she caught her breath.

"Who?" asked Leo, turning to Ashton.

Ashton came away from the entrance and sat down on the couch. "I just met, the assassin."

She now had everyone's attention.

"You met up, with the assassin?" asked Donny in amazement.

Ashton nodded. "That's what I said. And what's more interesting, it's not the first time I met up with him either."

"How so?" asked Venus.

"Well, remember when we first got to L.A., and you all sent me out to get breakfast? Well, after I did, I was leaving the Dunkin Donuts, and I saw this guy standing against the wall, looking at me. It was weird that of all the people in the crowd, he looked at me. What was even weirder, is that after a while, he started smiling at me. It wasn't any normal smile either, he has fangs!"

"Wow, I am like, officially creeped out." said Shelly, looking a bit worried.

"Wait a minute, fangs? What is he?" asked Leo.

"I'm getting to that." said Ashton. "So I was just minding my own business chilling up in a tree in the park . . ."

"You went out by yourself?! Knowing that Dragon Lord is out here, how can you . . . . "

"Can it Leo." said Raph. Then he turned back to Ashton. "Go on."

"Thanks." said Ashton. "Anyways, I was in the tree when I noticed I wasn't alone anymore. Something moved in the tree next to me, so I got down. I soon met up with that guy; the assassin. His name is Schiam, and he's some snake creature from a different dimension."

"What is he doing here?" asked Splinter.

"He's here to assassinate, me." said Ashton.

Rita gasped.

"He says Dragon Lord is paying him to get rid of me; that I'm in Dragon Lord's way." said Ashton.

"That's deep man." said Mikey.

"The question is, why does Dragon Lord want you out of the way, especially now?" asked Donny thoughtfully.

"I think we better keep a closer watch on Dragon Lord's activities." said Leo.

"I agree. Whatever Dragon Lord is planning, it must be something special for him to hire an assassin specifically to get Ashton out of the way." said Splinter.

"Why would he want to get Ashton out of the way, and not you all? I mean, not tryin to sound mean like I want him to go after y'all, but why target Ashton specifically?" asked Corina.

"Because his warriors can't beat her. She's too quick for them." said Raph.

Donny looked thoughtful, then got up and went over to the computer.

"Seems like we oughta watch you more carefully kiddo." said Mikey.

"I don't need to be watched; I need to be trained to fight this guy." said Ashton as she stood up. "Can I talk to you for a moment, Master?"

"Yes, Ashton. Come." said Master Splinter as he and Ashton walked out of the living room to the den.

Inside, they both sat down.

"What is on your mind my child?" asked Master Splinter.

"This assassin guy, Schiam; he's very quick, quicker than me. I'm afraid that he'll be able to beat me. My skills aren't as finely tuned as his. I want you to train me to combat him." said Ashton.

"Wouldn't you rather learn to evade him?" asked Splinter.

"I'll learn anything I can to keep from getting beat by him." said Ashton. "Dragon Lord's obviously planning something that requires me to be out of the way. If I'm gone, who knows what he's got planned for you all. I can't allow anything bad to happen."

Splinter nodded. "Very well Ashton; I will help you."

Ashton smiled. "I knew I could count on you Master Splinter." she said, giving him a quick hug.

Splinter smiled. "Anytime my child, anytime."