Out Of The Blue

Chapter 2: Concerns

By Azure Turtle

Disclaimer: Frost, Boko, Kimara, and Tenryu are my own created characters. Please do not use them without my permission. All TMNT characters belong to Peter Laird, Kevin Eastman, and Mirage Publishing.

I’m just a fan who wants to express my enthusiasm for the TMNT through fanfics. Please don’t hurt me.

<< Author’s Note: If you’ve read my fic, One Fateful Day, then you probably know who Azure is. I just want to clarify that Azure and Frost are not related, and their stories take place in different TMNT universes. However, there is a possibility that the two may be linked somehow… But I haven’t decided if that’s going to become a reality. =) I hope you like this new chapter. Thanks for reading! >>

The four turtles gave their sensei a confused look. Raphael was the first to break the silence. “Not alone? What do you mean that he’s not alone?”

“I believe that Oroku Saki has gained help from an outside source. The strange energies that I have sensed do not belong to his Foot Clan.” Splinter twitched his whiskers, a sign that he was worried.

“Wait a minute,” Michelangelo’s eyes lit up in fear, “Sensei, are you suggesting that the Shredder might have a new army?”

“That could very well be the case,” Splinter replied.

“And just when we thought we could take it easy for a while, Shredder decides to come back from the dead along with a new group of soldiers,” Raphael groaned. He and Leonardo helped Splinter to his feet. “So what’re we waiting for? Let’s go out there, destroy this new army, and kill Shredder for good. We might even have some fun along the way.” He devilishly grinned.

“Hold on, Raph. We can’t just rush out there not knowing anything about our new enemies.” Leonardo frowned. “Besides, we don’t even know where the Shredder is hiding.”

“So we’re just gonna sit here ‘til Shredder finds us and trashes our new lair? Or better yet, maybe he’ll kill us this time.” Raphael glared at Leonardo. “You’re a genius, Leo. Did I ever tell you that?”

Leonardo gritted his teeth and returned Raphael’s angry stare. “You know that’s not what I meant, Raph…”

Michelangelo and Donatello exchanged glances. Here they go again, they both thought simultaneously.
“Oh yeah? Then what did you mean, fearless leader?”

“We can’t go out there without having some sort of strategy! We’re as good as dead if we go along with your idea.”

“As if your idea is any better. Sitting here on our asses like giant green targets–”

“That is enough!” Splinter raised his voice. Leonardo and Raphael quickly silenced themselves but continued to give each other harsh looks. “We will not accomplish anything by arguing amongst ourselves. Our enemies are probably preparing to strike. We must discover what kind of attack this will be and how to thwart it.”

“But how are we going to do that, Sensei?” Michelangelo asked.

Splinter rubbed his forehead in thought. “We must first discover where the Shredder is hiding. Since the Foot Clan’s activities have ceased over the past two months, this will be a very difficult task. However, if we keep our eyes and ears open, then we may receive some clues to his whereabouts.”

“Hmm… that’s true,” Donatello agreed. “If the Shredder is planning something, then the Foot will probably become active once again. I think we should increase the hours we put into our nightly patrols.”

“A very wise idea, my son.” Master Splinter nodded.

Leonardo placed his hand on Donatello’s shoulder. “And we should divide ourselves into pairs. The first pair will start the patrol and come back half way through the night. Then the other one will finish it.”

“All right then.” Raphael folded his arms. “Since we all seem to agree on this plan of action, why don’t we start patrolling tonight?”

“On a Friday night?” Michelangelo whined.

“Why not? Do you have a hot date with a plastic doll?” Raphael grinned mischievously.

“I wish. It’d be better than spending the night looking for trouble.” Michelangelo stuck his tongue out at Raphael. Donatello and Leonardo couldn’t help but laugh. Even Splinter was slightly amused.

“I know how you feel, Mikey. I’d rather stay home too and finish reading my book.”

“Aw geez, Don! You’re always reading books! C’mon, you need to get out every now and then.” Raphael playfully punched his brother in the arm.

Donatello sighed in response. “Not like I have much of a choice.”

“Okay then…” Leonardo paused to make sure that he had everyone’s attention. “If we’re going to play this little game of hide ‘n seek, we need to divide ourselves into teams. Any suggestions?”

“Ya, I’ve got one.” Raphael raised his hand. “I want to start patrolling now. I don’t care who my partner is, as long as I get to go first.” Raphael was obviously enjoying the possibility of getting into a fight. He grew bored over the past two months, and without the Foot Clan around, there was no real challenge for him. Raphael often fought the typical gangsters and punks, but they weren’t any fun. They didn’t even know how to fight back.

“Then I’m going with you.” Leonardo was worried about Raphael, and he wasn’t about to let his brother go on a rampage. I’m keeping my eye on you, bro, just in case you decide to make any risky moves.

“Coolness! I’m all right with that,” Michelangelo responded. “At least I’ll get to have some major Z’s before me and Donny go on patrol.” And I’ll be able to watch TV without anyone bothering me! He grinned happily.

“How about you, Don?”
“Ya, I’m okay with it,” Donatello answered. “I hope you and Raph have a wonderful time together.”

“Heh… I’m sure we will.” Raphael smirked and gave Leonardo a pat on the shell before heading towards the dojo.

“Maybe I should’ve taken the second shift,” Leonardo sighed.

Splinter gave him a reassuring smile. “Do not worry, my son. Raphael will be there for you. Do not let his temper fool you into thinking otherwise.”

“Thanks, Sensei. We’ll be all right.” Leonardo returned the smile and bowed. He then joined Raphael in the dojo and began to gear up.

Once the two were out of hearing range, Michelangelo turned to his remaining brother. “Do you think they’ll fight while they’re on patrol?”

“Who knows?” Donatello shrugged. “The night’s still young. Anything can happen.”

Somewhere near the docks…

Frost looked around with child-like wonder. He was so amazed with the city. Frost often stayed near the mountains where he trained at the Foot headquarters, so this was truly a sight to behold. He was rather disappointed that he couldn’t see any stars in the sky, but the millions of lights in the city seemed to take their place.

“Taxi!” Boko bellowed. He fluttered his arms in an awkward manner, desperately trying to grab the attention of any cab driver.

While Boko continued doing his strange dance, Kimara turned to Frost and smiled. “So, what do you think of the city so far?”

“It…It is so large,” Frost said softly. He gazed up at one of the nearby skyscrapers. “Incredible. I thought only mountains could ever reach that height.”

Kimara chuckled. “You would be surprised at man’s constant attempts to defy nature.”

Frost smirked and nodded in response. A cool breeze gently flew by, whipping about the garments of the four foreigners. Tenryu stood still, leaning against a lamppost, folding his arms and frowning. Frost returned to gazing at the various man-made wonders, while Kimara amused herself by watching Boko have a fit.

“I can’t believe how many taxis have passed us!” Boko clenched his fists in frustration. “You’d think one of those idiots would spot us, especially with you dressed in white.” He turned to Kimara and glared at her.

“My, you have quite a temper,” Kimara mused. “Maybe I can help you forget that anger. People forget things when they’re unconscious, don’t they?” She slowly approached Boko. The little Japanese man quickly became a nervous wreck.

Boko threw his hands up. “Wait, wait! I didn’t mean to offend you!” he pleaded. “I’m very sorry. Uh… Let me keep trying to get a taxi for us.”

“Good idea.” Kimara rolled her eyes. He talks big for such a pathetic weakling.

Frost found it amusing how Kimara could intimidate Boko so easily. Sensei is usually a frightening character. I wonder how Kimara can get away with such things. Regardless, I am starting to enjoy her company.

“I grow impatient with this,” said Tenryu. He was still frowning. “How far is the Foot Headquarters?”

Boko stopped hopping around like a fish out of water. He turned to face Tenryu. “The location is several miles from here, but it’s too far to walk. Just give me a little more time, and I’m sure I can get one of these morons to stop.”

The mercenary shook his head and sighed as Boko returned to his silly antics. I thought the Foot was much more organized than this. I’ve never had to work for such incompetent fools. Tenryu grimaced. He hoped the money was worth all of this wasted time.

Boko cursed as another cab drove by without even slowing down. I can’t believe none of them are stopping for me. They stop for the filth in this city, yet they don’t even bother to glance at me! Suddenly, a taxi pulled over next to the odd group. Boko was elated that someone finally noticed him. He opened the door and sat in the passenger’s seat. “Take us to this address!” he yelled, as he handed the driver a piece of paper with writing on it.

“Woah, just a minute, mister. I’m about to go on my break,” the driver protested. He handed the piece of paper back to Boko. “See that over there?” He pointed to a sign that read “Loolaa’s Fish ‘N Chips.” “I’m gonna eat there. If you wanna wait, then I’ll take you to wherever you’re headed after I’m done.”

Tenryu stepped forward before Boko could protest. “No, you will take us now.”

“Hey, are you deaf, scar face?” the cab driver yelled. “I said I was going on a break!”

“And perhaps you didn’t hear me,” Tenryu sneered. “I said you will be taking us to our destination… now.” The mercenary pulled out a small switchblade that he had in his pocket. “Ask me to repeat that, and I’ll slit your throat.”

The cab driver turned pale. “All right, n-no need fer violence… Come on in.”

Boko handed the cab driver the address once more, as the three fighters filed into the backseat. Frost ended up being squished between Tenryu and Kimara; a position that he was not comfortable with. I sense that Tenryu does not like working with others, while Kimara has proven to be quite friendly. Sitting between the two makes me worry, however. From what I have heard, these two are very skilled and very deadly warriors…

The cab driver was nervous driving these strangers around New York. He caught a glimpse of the other two passengers through his rear-view mirror. The woman was wearing some weird, white costume, and the cloaked figure sitting in the middle looked like a giant blue turtle. What the hell is wrong with people nowadays? the driver wondered. He decided to try and get some information from them. Then maybe he could send a report to the police.

“So…uh…this your first time in New York?” the driver asked his passengers. There was no response.

“Are you guys going to a party or somethin’? I mean, I love the costumes and all…” the man nervously chuckled. Silence.

Frost sat still. His face was emotionless, but thoughts raced through his mind. The poor driver… He has no idea what is going on. I hope he shuts his mouth before he angers Boko or Tenryu. Doing so would only result in death…

The driver got the hint that they didn’t want to talk to him, so the rest of the drive continued quietly. They finally reached their destination about half an hour later. The taxi pulled up to a building that was obviously abandoned, and the four silently got out of the cab. “All right, you owe me…” The driver checked his meter. “Twenty–”

“How much?”

The driver jumped at the voice. Someone broke the silence. He looked up and met the eyes of Tenryu, glaring at him through the passenger-side window.

The driver’s eyes widened in terror. “Err… Nevermind. It’s on the house!” With that said, the driver quickly raised his window and peeled away from the curb like there was no tomorrow.

“Idiot.” Tenryu shook his head and turned his attention to the others. Boko was busy looking up at the building. He didn’t even care about dealing with the cab driver. In fact, he didn’t even thank Tenryu for his help.

The mercenary cursed under his breath. Boko better not keep relying on me to solve his petty problems.

The building was a dark red color, and many of its windows were boarded up or broken. The front door was sealed with caution tape all over it. Kimara was inspecting one of the broken windows while Frost walked up to the front door. There was a giant sign that had the word “condemned” scrawled on in it. The old building was just waiting for an executioner to come and take it out of its misery.

“Is this the Foot Headquarters?” Frost asked, doubt filling his thoughts.

“This building hasn’t been used in many years.” Kimara stepped back to get a better look at the place. It was about five stories high.

“No, this isn’t the headquarters,” Boko replied. “I just didn’t want that driver to know our true destination. Now, let’s get going.” Boko began to walk to the left of the building. “Master Shredder is waiting for us.”

The other three reluctantly followed Boko. Frost hoped that the true headquarters wasn’t very far. He was tired from the many hours of traveling, and all he could think about was sleeping on a nice, soft bed.

“What kind of person is this Shredder?” Tenryu grumbled. “If he had any sense, he would’ve sent us personal transportation.”

“Don’t insult Master Shredder!” Boko warned. “He is a powerful and very busy man. He has no time to arrange transportation for someone as low as you.”

Tenryu growled and quickly caught Boko by the shoulder. He turned the little man around fiercely, so that they were facing eye to eye. “And don’t you dare insult me. I may be working for the Foot right now, but after this job is done, you better hope that I never see you again. Otherwise, I’ll use your blood to water my lawn.” He let Boko go, turned him back around, and shoved him. “Now hurry up and lead us to the headquarters, before I lose all of my patience.”

“Y-yes, of course!” Boko stammered, his stomach in a knot of fear. He quickened his pace, and the others followed. Tenryu was enraged by Boko’s idiocy, and Kimara couldn’t stop grinning. Frost didn’t want to see Boko get hurt, despite all the cruel things that his Sensei had done to him. However, he didn’t mind seeing Boko get shaken up by Tenryu.

A few moments later, the group stood in front of the entrance to a junkyard. There was a large metal gate, which stood open, granting anyone entrance. Flickering shadows could be seen from inside, a hint that fires were burning within. The gate was the only entrance that could be seen from their viewpoint. Large wooden fences hindered the group from seeing more of the mysterious place.

Kimara folded her arms in irritation. “Boko, why have we stopped here? This is a junkyard.”

“I know,” Boko replied. “But this is the address Master Shredder gave me.”

“You mean this is it? This is our headquarters?” Frost gawked at Boko in disbelief. The Japanese headquarters was a towering castle hidden within the mountains. It was a grand place, worthy of being called the Foot Headquarters. But this place… This place was a smelly toilet compared to the castle. “I cannot believe this…”

Tenryu rubbed his temples in frustration. “The powerful Shredder resides in a junkyard? No wonder he couldn’t send us transportation. He’s dirt poor.”

Kimara laughed at the irony of the situation. “The Foot Clan is so well known amongst other clans in Japan. I wonder what they’ll think when they find out that the New York headquarters is in a junkyard.”

“Boko!” Tenryu violently grabbed the little man by the back of his shirt. “If Shredder is poor, how is he going pay us, hmm? I was promised a good amount of money, and if he can’t give it to me…”

“P-Please, don’t get angry, Tenryu! Rest assured, Master Shredder has plenty of money. He only resides here because his last place of operations was discovered by the police!”

Tenryu sighed and released Boko from his grasp. Kimara laughed again. “What kind of a ninja master is he if his own headquarters was easily uncovered?”

Boko turned around to face all three of the fighters. He frowned and gave each of them a hard stare. “Don’t doubt Master Shredder’s abilities. His original headquarters would have never been found if it weren’t for his enemies. And I’m telling all of you now… Shredder is a true ninja master. He won’t seem so weak once you meet him.” Boko chuckled menacingly before disappearing into the junkyard.

The three fighters remained outside, a little confused about Boko’s words. “What the hell does he mean by that?” Tenryu growled.

“Only one way to find out,” answered Kimara. “Come on, let’s go in.” She gave her allies a wink and began walking into the Foot headquarters.

“Very well.” Tenryu followed right behind her. “I’m not worried. That Boko is a fool.”

“I feel very uneasy about this,” Frost muttered to himself. He ran to catch up to the others. It feels like a calm before the storm. Something big is looming over the horizon…