Chapter 9: Thunderstorm

The many states between Illinois and New York seemed to pass in a blur. A very long and arduous blur. Every minute Leo could stop himself from wondering if his brothers really were in New York. What if he was journeying away from them. He had nothing but hope and a gut feeling to go on.

There were other factors to take into account, such as what they would do when they got there. He was hoping the Lair was in the place as it was in his world. But he had no guarantee and even so they had no idea what they would find in New York. Wind was mostly worried about the Krangg but Leo knew that other dangers were present there as well. They very well could be walking into a fight.

Even though the conversation always seemed to end without resolution when brought up, Leo also knew that bringing Wind to New York was another can of worms he was opening. He knew himself, yes. He knew his brothers, yes. And by those terms he felt that he knew Wind and his brothers; but that did not mean he knew how this was going to turn out.

Wind didn't seem certain that Mikey, Donnie, and Raph would take his sudden appearance well; despite Leo's reassurance that they would be overjoyed and that he'd be accepted as a lost member of a family. Nothing he said seemed to win the battle of uncertainty in Wind's mind. Because of that Leo was worried.

He had no idea how all this would pan out.

They were making good progress though. It had been several days, but between a fair amount of walking they had made great progress. They had been able to catch rides on storage trucks, buses and between these lucky breaks had made a great deal of progress. It was taking more time then Leo felt comfortable with but they were going as fast as they could over the vast distance.

"We should be in New York in a few hours" Wind's voice was a barely heard whisper in the storage van. Sitting next to a box of paper supplies the turtle looked on edge as he watched the door warily. Outside the wind whistled uneasily the beginnings of a storm brewing.

Leo wasn't exactly comfortable with this mode of transportation either but they hadn't faced any real trouble yet and didn't doubt they would remain undetected. Though he did understand and mirror his counterparts' wariness.

Wind's eyes were clouded and Leo could only guess at what the other was thinking. Despite his apprehension he didn't want to embark on a conversation about it now. He had a feeling the other was warring with seeing the other turtles from his own world. Discussing that sensitive topic at their current moment was not wise. Leo turned his attention back toward his own predicament. A few more hours. Just a few more hours.

After hours on end in the cramped space the wide open view of New York city was a welcoming view.

Leo closed his eyes letting the energy flow of the city was over him. After miles of travel in unfamiliar lands it was a breath of fresh air to be back in familiar territory. His sapphire eyes shining at the sky Leo felt a weight lift from his chest.

Wind on the other hand seemed more out of his element then he had the entire trip. He seemed amazed by the shere energy and brightness of New mutant was letting the energy of the city wash over him like a river over stone. He could feel the vibrations of the city and he could sense its rhythm. In a fine tuned ear similar to that of Chi, Wind felt attune to the world around him; like he was connected to the harmony around him. It was unnerving, so distant from the natural beat of the forest, where the trees could whisper kindly and the wind danced around him as a friend. Here he could feel the beat of the inner workings of the city yet it was so alike the living rhythm of the forest.

A rumble of thunder overhead seemed to pull the two mutants out of their ponderings.

"Come on, we should get going."

Wind nodded in response to Leo's wisdom. Soundless as the night, the two speed through the city. Leo was much more at ease in the metal jungle but Wind kept pace with the blue masked turtle, letting the city inhabitant steer their path.

The thunder overhead was a distant ominous rumble overhead as they made their journey. Leo could wager that they were nearing the lair, if they would enter the sewers now they wouldn't be far from the train station if this world was in fact a mirror to his own.

Despite this knowledge Leo was hesitant to head below just yet, because all though he saw no signs that indicated they were being followed he could sense it.

Two sets of sapphire eyes suddenly glossed over their eyes becoming white as the snow. With knowing looks a silent understanding passed between the two warriors. They had traveled several blocks with evasive maneuvers, they had circled back around, snuck down dark alleyways and the shadows that they were both sure now were following them had not lost their trail. The turtles had two choices: continue to try and lose their pressures or confront them. In that single look they had decided the latter option.

Turning as one the turtles unsheathed their weapons peering suspiciously at the shadows around them. They had chosen to take this stance on a rather large rooftop, it was dark and hidden from the eyes of onlookers with much room to maneuver and a large metal billboard sat on the edge of the flat rooftop.

They didn't have to wait long before soundlessly black clad ninjas emerged from the shadows; their bug eyes seemed to glow as they crept closer, weapons in hand. Leo gritted his teeth in anger and Wind gripped his sword tighter as dozens of foot soldiers emerged from the shadows.

The first footsoldier swung his sword and the fight began. Evading the on coming strikes the two identical turtles seemed to dance around the rooftop as they each took on their fair share of enemies.

If either one was worried about the other's abilities those fears were quickly put to rest as skillfully the warrior and the ninja disarmed nearly a dozen ninjas skillfully.

Wind although no ninja had faced many dangers and moved nimbly and swiftly evading his enemy while managing to land hits with both his feet in skilled kicks and flips alongside his sword in well planned and placed blows. Leo's twin katanas sang as the nimble ninja's deadly dance proved too much for his ever increasing enemy.

The first drops of rainfall hit the ground around them as the two warring factions battled the night seeming to grow even darker with the increasing rainfall.

Minutes later the two turtles paused, catching their breath, wearily darting glances around the foreboding rooftop. The two had dispatched two dozen footbots and with no more numbers advancing took the advantage to catch their breath; though on edge, the danger had not seemingly passed.

"Well well well, what have we got here?" Leo felt his blood run cold, color draining from his face at the recognition of the cold voice. "Two miserable turtles where the other one is I do not know."

Wind narrowed his eyes at the approaching figure, clenching his weapon even tighter at the mention of the other turtles, a confirmation that they did exist in this world. Yet, he did not want to hear them mentioned by this tyrant! Yes Wind knew of the cruelties of the foot, he'd faced them before but never the dreaded Shredder. His blood ran cold at the mere thought of his broth..of these other turtles facing the armed maniac.

Leo shifted subconsciously closer to Wind, his senses assessing their surroundings. Tiger claw and Razar emerged behind them, cutting off their retreat. This was quickly becoming a very grave situation.

"Tell me where your Rat Master is and your deaths will be quick and painless." Shredder threatened, unsheathing his gauntlet.

"Never!" Screamed Leo throwing himself into the fight. Both swords came down upon the Shredder, who evaded easily by the knives in the gauntlet, throwing the turtle backwards with a forceful shove. Leo twisted mid-air landing gracefully in a defensive stance prepared for the oncoming advance of the Shredder's dangerous gauntlet.

Nearby Wind took on the combined rage of Rahzar and Tiger Claw. Dancing skillfully away from the oncoming array of lasers aimed his way, Wind twisted low and swept his legs out and tripped the razor covered dog. With one enemy momentarily disarmed he turned just in time to defend against the oncoming sword of the Tiger. "Give up Cub!" the tiger spat. "You are no match for me."

Wind snarled in response pushing back against the snarling cat before launching his own attack of kicks and jabs, sending the cat retreating several steps. This dance of deadly blows and blocks continued for several moments before Razar rejoined the game. Wind let out a cry as razor sharp claws slashed his back. Falling down in pain, Wind quickly rolled away from the knife-like claws to avoid another attack before leaping to his feet once again. Blood dripped down his back from where the claws had made purchase with his exposed shoulders and neck, lucky his shell seemed to have taken most of the attack. Gritting his teeth, Wind widened his stance and prepared himself as both Tiger Claw and Rahzar changed at him.

In the distance the thunder rolled. The rooftop was quickly becoming slick with the pooling water from the never ceasing rain.

Tiring, Leo continued to face off with the villain he had defeated back in his own world, regretting that he would have the misfortune to ever see let alone fight the tyrant again.

"Ready to surrender miserable turtle?!"

Leo gritted his teeth, his sapphire eyes seething.

"You and your whole family will fall; resisting is futile!"

Dropping low on the rain soaked rooftop Leo swept his feet and disbalanced his opponent before rolling to the side and jumping up in time to release a few blows to the sturdy armor before the Shredder regained his feat once more sending his armored fist toward the carpus of the young warrior sending Leo flying backward several feet. Leo let out a cry as he hit the uncaring cement, a heavy foot landing heavily on his chest pressing down against his natural armor. Leo let out another cry at the weight of the armored foot on his chest.

Across the rooftop terror flashed through Wind at the sound of Leo's cry, quickly he switched from defensive to offensive maneuvers fighting to push the mutant Dog and Tiger back so that he could rush to the aid of his comrade.

"Filthy mutant, did you really think you had a chance against me?!" Shredder spat as he leaned downward to taunt the struggling mutant below his boot. "Now I will ask you one last time, where is Hamatto Yoshi?" Shredder asked menacingly, driving his sword into Leo's shoulder.

Leo screamed in pain. The wound was only a flesh wound but it was painful. It was meant as a threat and the leader got the intention of the message. Fighting past the pain, Leo hardened his expression and glared at the evil tyrant above him knowing in his heart that Evil was never truly triumphant.

Glaring down at the obstinate teenager, Shredder received the message of the turtle's returned unyeilding glare. "Very well.'' The words came out cold and final against the ominous sound of thunder. Wind watched in terror as the Shredder raised his gauntlet.

"NO!" His voice echoed the roaring thunder.

With pure adrenaline Wind angled his body sending the full force of his weight into Tiger Claw's stomach with a powerful kick. The Tiger went flying backward crashing into Razar.

Time seemed to slow as Wind raced across the rooftop fearing that he was too late to stop the deadly blade bearing down on Leo.

"Argg" Wind barreled into the enemy with a cry, his weapon barely making impact on the strong armor but the force of his attack sent the Shredder stumbling backward, his blow thwarted.

"You!" Shredder let out a dangerous hiss rounding on the new threat.

The heavy boot removed from his chest Leo reached now for his sword that lay just out of reach. Pulling himself back to his feat he launched himself at the Shredder. With an uncaring hand the Shredder lashed his blades toward the oncoming attack haltling the blade meant for him. With a powerful kick he sent Leo flying across the rooftop and into the nearby billboard. The blue masked turtle hit the structure with a crash before dropping to the rooftop winded.

"LEO" Wind cried but before he could run to the aid of his friend he found himself face to face with the seething tyrant.

"Now, I am done playing games. Tell me where is Hamatto Yoshi?!" Wind struggled to avoid the oncoming blows from the blades. Retreating further and further backward and array of attacks landed on his person as Wind continued to tire, dread pooling in his stomach at the ever worsening situation.

The rain was falling in sheets now making it harder and harder to see. Wind felt his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he needed to do something and fast. Leo was wounded and it was a miracle Wind had lasted this long in the fight against the Shredder himself. They needed to get out of here and fast.

Ducking away from another blade this time just inches from his face; Wind rolled away from another upcoming assault before racing across the rooftop to put distance between himself and the Shredder. This path took them down hill on a slight slant and Wind found himself nearly ankle deep in pooling water. The rain had gathered in the lower part of the rooftop that slanted slightly downward here. Hearing the thunder rumbling and the idea suddenly sprang to mind. It was a risky idea. Dangerous. Possibly deadly and Wind had no idea if he could pull it off but it was the only idea he had.

Grounding his feat squarely, Wind centered his energy reaching inward. He stepped gracefully to the side as the Shredder lunged just narrowly avoiding the blade. He continued to let his energy sway like an ocean tide, building in energy. As he felt the wave of his energy continue to grow he reached his mind outward as Traneil had taught him.

He had seen this move practiced only once when they were taking shelter in the jungles of South America, against a band of Smugglers and thieves who were threatening the local towns folk. Traneil was not a violent person but he abhorred violence. Afterward he had warned Wind of the personal cost of using this move. As an Ortainian this ancient tactic was used only when necessary and was considered a rare knowledge. To use as a non-Ortainian it could prove deadly. Icy fear gripped Wind's heart but still he pushed on.

Learning on the Krangg amplifiers as a crutch the Ortaninas would never have had to use he pushed his mind out like he would to ask the trees a question or communicate with the wind but this time it was the unpredictable weather in which he spoke to. He pulled the energy of the sky toward him as though he were a metal object acting like a conduit, beckoning the lightning toward him.

"Pathetic, you continue to avoid me." The Shredder snarled as he continued to chase the turtle. His heavy metal boots stomped through the deep pool of rainwater.

Feeling the energy around him, Wind counted the timing.

"It is you who is pathetic." he answered, catching the eye of Leo across the rooftop, the young leader struggling to pull himself once again onto his feet. "You prey on the weak and use fear to control those around you. It is you who is weak. You don't understand true strength."

The Shredder sneered, raising up his gauntlet once more.

"Because you have no mercy." Wind let out a startled cry as the gauntlet fell upon him. His swords shielded him from the blow but he went flying back several feet. A smile climbed on Wind's face as he landed on hard but fairly dry cement. Reaching his energy out he pulled himself to his feat centering his feat far apart. The last thunderclap was seconds beforehand, he'd timed the next bout and he was not disappointed. Wind felt the energy swell before it happened. Closing his eyes Wind felt the lightning strike, it was as if fire ripped through his entire being. He'd prepared for this though and like the wind through leaves he let the energy pass through him like a conduit. Pointing his sword toward Shredder Wind felt the the lightning bolt of electricity flow through him and leap toward the heavily armored mad man standing ankle deep in a pool of water.

As soon as the electricity left him, Wind collapsed. He let himself sink to his knees, breathing hard, his whole body shaking. Looking down he saw that the amplifiers Mendon had modified were fried. It was a small price to pay considering the risk he had just taken. Even so he was glad he had them otherwise he wouldn't have been able to direct the flow of energy. It was a miracle this tactic had worked at all.

"Wind!" The concerned voice pulled his attention, turning Leo had dropped to his side. The blue banded turtle was breathing hard and his hand was pressed against the wound on his shoulder. His sapphire eyes were narrowed in concern assessing his counterpart apprehensively.

Reality seeming to come back to him, Wind let his gaze move toward the puddle. The Shredder lay like a heap of metal unmoving. It seemed almost surreal.

Part of him expected the Footclan leader to stand up and attack. He didn't dare to think he was defeated. But, a typical lightning bolt is about 300 million volts of electricity plus the Shredder was heavily armored and standing in a pool of water.

Rushing footsteps pulled the turtle out of his wary thoughts. The henchmen had been sidelined earlier but were clearly a now very present threat. Sharing a glance with Leo he prepared himself to run. Standing up Leo threw a smoke bomb onto the rooftop and the two turtles disappeared into the rain.