Chapter 5: The Journey Eastward

"Wake up!"

Lazily, Wind let his eyes open before closing them again, the bright light of the early morning sunrise shown in his still half asleep eyes.

"Itsstillearly" Wind mumbled incoherently, rolling away from the voice.

"Not that early" Leo persisted, rummaging in the pack adding some nuts and berries to the bag he'd found by the river. "We should get an early start and beat the midday heat."

Wind groaned but hesitant sat up. It was an unnerving feeling being the last one up. Since Amos and the others had left he had given himself some slack with his normal routine. It had been a nice change sleeping in later and putting off training. He used to like waking up early and getting in early morning training or even a patrol. But that was back when he had others to protect.

"I found some berries down by the river." Leo continued to move about the camp as he spoke.

Stretching and letting out a lazy yawn, Wind pulled himself up into a sitting position. He was surprised to find the small camp already in the state of being taken down. The fire was doused and the small travel bag packed. Wind was pleasantly surprised by his companion's efficiency. Checking the bag Wind was glad to note that Leo obviously knew what berries were good and which were poisonous. The small supply he found was wrapped in maple leaves and tied. It was relieving to know that the turtle he was traveling with wouldn't be completely inept concerning wilderness survival but it was somewhat surprising considering that he'd grown up in New York.

Content to let the other continue with his preparations, Wind slowly let himself wake up, stretching his arms over his head and rotating his arm as he wandered around the campsite. A small smile stretched across his lips as he found a small cooked fish set out.

Wind closed his eyes to appreciate the flavor of the rainbow trout.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it." Leo commented with a smile. "According to my brothers, I can't cook."

"Well my taste buds bag to differ." Wind debated with another bite. "Didn't know you could fish though. From my understanding there aren't many rivers in New York."

"No not really, it's one of the downsides of the city." Leo commented. "But after the Krangg…" Leo trailed off his gaze wandering elsewhere for a moment. Wind leaned forward, after their chat the night before he'd learned more about Leo's world and his counterpart's tale but he had left out many details of his adventures, only that he fought and defeated the Krang in his world. A feat that was impressive to say the least. Wind knew first hand the threat the Krangg held and to learn that Leo and his brothers had defeated them in their world…needless to say he knew there was more to the story.

Just as he understood the threat, Wind understood the cost. He knew what sacrifice was and he knew that the expression on Leo's face meant. He could see the shadow's hidden beneath the glimmer in those sapphire eyes. Just as Wind had his stories he knew Leo had his stories as well Evidently regardless of the differences both their worlds had been caught up in the chaos of the Krangg.

"We took shelter at a friend of ours's farm house for a while." Leo continued on, choosing his words carefully. "When we were regrouping we had an opportunity to hone our training in nature. It was actually my friend Casey who taught us to fish, evidently he had a grandfather who lived in the country."

Wind nodded, fighting back the urge to ask more. He finished his meal in silence and the remainder of the morning focused on straightforward communication as they tidied up their make-shift camp and prepared for travel.

Despite the obvious differences between them it was surprising how similar they really were, especially when it came to planning: straightforward, cautious, methodical and practical.

The two both had an equal apprehension about the journey. A Great deal of this apprehension concerning the others competency but throughout their travels those specific anxieties were easily put at ease.

Boise national forest was indeed vast but the trees and isolation of the wilderness provided the mutants with the freedom of traveling during the daylight. With the feeling of urgency weighing on the blue clad turtle the two made haste. The two well trained warriors had no difficulty crossing the vast wilderness. Wind especially was at home beneath the trees. While Leo sailed through the trees and traveled soundlessly through the forest as a Ninja, the turtle from this world fit among the vast wilderness like he was made to be there. He wasn't as silent as the wind, he was the wind whistling through the trees. Raised by telepaths most of his communication had been with the trees. He knew the ancient language of the forest by heart and the beat of the forest was as familiar as the drum of his own heart. It was child's play navigating the vast wilderness and trekking toward the town. It was as easy as passing through his backyard.

By nightfall the two had reached the borders of Boise, which was to Leo's surprise a city. Not at all like he considered New York a city, but definitely larger than a mere town. There was in fact a train station in Boise. Although Wind was uncomfortable leaving the shelter of the trees it was easy for the two turtles to make their way to the station. The buildings were not nearly as close together as New York making traveling by rooftop more difficult. The city was much less busy compared to the city that never sleeps so remaining unseen was easily attainable.

"There's no trains to New York," Wind reported. "But there is a train heading that direction," the turtle smiled. "We can take the train as far as Chicago, we might find another lucky break there."

It was a huge break, one both turtles were thankful for. Finding a place to take shelter from human eyes was not difficult on the large train but it did leave the two with several hours of boredom. Though thankful to not be walking the entire journey Wind was uneasy on the train and Leo was restless without word of his brothers, all the leader had to go off of was hope and a hunch.

"Please be alright." Leo whispered, bowing his head in prayer.

Looking out at the passing scenery Wind sent up his own silent prayer, not knowing what the journey ahead had in store.