[1] The Hunters

[Orion]

"So you're a saiyan elite, huh?"

Ares sensed a slight note of disbelief in the elder warrior's tone. "That's right."

Orion's single eye rolled up and down the teenage hybrid, examining him inscrutably. It was such a rare occurrence that anyone of the saiyan race was strong enough to exist outside the tidy walls of the old Cold Dynasty's protection, let alone smart enough. This 'mercenary' standing before him could not have even been old enough to father a child. How could his power be so high to be labeled as elite? Even being born to saiyan elite parents, it was highly unlikely that his fighting style was refined enough to take on missions by himself.

Yet, the elder fighter smirked. There was one he knew, even at the age of eleven, that would put this bounty hunter to shame.

"I'll take your word for it," Orion concluded reluctantly. "Actually, a thought occurs."

"Hmm?"

"Do you still work for the Vegeta family? Conquering planets, doing their bidding?"

Ares stone cold face twitched for a split second. "No. I'm freelance."

Orion nodded. Perhaps this kid was of more worth than he originally thought.

"Being a mercenary, you'd be used to taking high profile targets. Kidnapping, assassinations ..."

"Absolutely," Ares confirmed.

"Well then ... I think this partnership is going to make both of us exceedingly wealthy." Orion folded his arms. "Is there any others amongst the group that match the description of 'hunter'?"

"Not that I can see," Ares answered, looking over his shoulder. "But by all means, take a look for yourself."

A woman was present. Her only chance to gain Orion's belief in her abilities was to be sporting a brown, furry saiyan tail. It was absent. The warrior's eye moved on.

A young blonde haired man wearing a red jacket was leaning against the wall. Whatever abilities this would-be hunter possessed, ruthless fighting didn't seem to be one of them. His demeanor, his stance, his countenance all revealed that he wasn't comfortable in his current situation.

The last remaining hunter in the room ... Orion did his best to stifle a sudden swell of rage. There was ... a changeling. A changeling, on his team. Instinctively, his hands balled into fists.

"Hey kid," Orion snapped, although not angry at Ares. He rose a finger to Szar and warned, "if you want to stay on my good side, don't work with that ... creature."