(The Timeless Ocean, A Few Minutes Later, Leonardo's POV)
The storm encompassed the entire fleet within mere moments, the sails suddenly fluttering, while torrential rain hit the upper deck.
*THUD*
*WOBBLE*
*THUNDER*
Waves crashed against the hull like fists, the ships groaning as their masts strained under the weight of lightning that clawed at the heavens.
Leonardo steadied himself by the rail, his cloak snapping wildly behind him as his heartbeat fought to keep pace with the storm.
The air shimmered faintly, and through the sound of thunder, something else began to whisper.
It was soft at first. Familiar.
"Leonardo, my boy…"
The voice came gentle, almost loving, curling into his ear like a memory from childhood. It was his grandmother's voice, the same tone that used to call him in from the courtyard for dinner, the same warmth he had missed dearly for these past few months.
He froze. His breath caught.
Then another voice followed, fragile but distinct.
