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I apologize in advance if Transformers starts appearing on this blog

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Reworked the first two parts of Left Behind and am going to be doing it a bit different from here on out I think, but I have a starting direction to go in now! I hope you all enjoy.

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With... and without

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Left Behind au really went from one post in May to two fics, a whole bunch of ideas that have barely been touched on yet, and me inflicting 5 paragraphs of emotional damage on you at 10pm lmao.

It sure has come along a long way!

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Reworked the first two parts of Left Behind and am going to be doing it a bit different from here on out I think, but I have a starting direction to go in now! I hope you all enjoy.

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Throwback to the very start of Left Behind AU

Ok so my Left Behind au for tmnt 2003. It’s basic concept is that when Fast Forward happens, for whatever reason Raph ends up not being sent to the future along with everyone else. He’s back in the current day vibing wit Klunk and April and Casey and befriending Karai cause hes got nothing better to do bur also because he needs help keeping things under control while trying to figure out what happened to his brothers.

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Reworked the first two parts of Left Behind and am going to be doing it a bit different from here on out I think, but I have a starting direction to go in now! I hope you all enjoy.

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@definitely-canon imagine. Imagine Raph trying so hard to do the right thing, to help people in some small way. But everything he does only ever makes things worse. It isn’t even that the road to hell is paved in good intentions but that every good act is twisted by fate to cause harm eventually. Doomed by the narrative not to die but to doom others with your actions, whatever they may be. And then wind up in League of Legends

Hm one aspect of an Arcane character is giving me terrible Raph ideas.

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Hm one aspect of an Arcane character is giving me terrible Raph ideas.

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Reworked the first two parts of Left Behind and am going to be doing it a bit different from here on out I think, but I have a starting direction to go in now! I hope you all enjoy.

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In honor of being almost done with season one of 2003 (please don’t ask how many episodes I’ve been watching in a day), have one of my favorite parts of the episode:

Literally 2 seconds later:

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COME GET YOUR FOOD @mousermayhem

Leo took a breath as he held his hand up to knock on the door. He wasn't sure how the other turtle would feel about the brace, or if he'd react much at all. Hopefully it was the latter, but after his reaction to food… Leo finally knocked.

Opening the door didn't reveal much, and he didn't know why he'd felt like it would. Slash simply cracked one eye open as he entered, tracking him as Leo approached the bed and held the brace up for Slash to see. "Cody was able to make this based off of our measurements, so it should work for you. We can always adjust it if it doesn't."

Slash raised an eyebrow— those markings were going to take some getting used to— before carefully pushing himself up and to the edge of the bed. "Do I need to stand up for this?" Leo shook his head,

"No, I'd really prefer you didn't." Slash nodded, staying perfectly still while Leo made sure the brace sat properly around his hips and wrapped the straps around his thigh. "Okay, does it feel alright? Not too tight or too loose or anything?" If the straps were putting too much pressure on his stitches they'd need another solution entirely…

Slash hummed, rubbing the material between two fingers as he spoke, "It feels fine." Leo frowned at the vague, monotone answer. He wasn't sure what the fascination with the fabric meant, or if pushing for clarification would be productive. He'd never needed to push Raph with a question like this. His brother always gave straightforward responses in these situations, but then again… this turtle wasn't really Raph.

"Do you… want to try standing- oh we're up okay-" Slash had stood before Leo could finish the sentence, huffing when his foot hit the ground. Leo himself had to take a moment to breathe. He had Raph's memories, he should know better than to rush an injury like this! Leo shook his head when he noticed the expectant look on the other turtle's face.

"You're sure it isn't pinching or anything?"

"It's fine." That was practically the other teen's catchphrase at this point.

"If you're sure… just don't walk on it too much yet. Dislocating a joint like that weakens the muscles holding it in place, so it's easy for the bone to pop right back out if you're not careful." Which Slash should know, but Leo wasn't taking any chances.

Slash nodded, but still tried taking a few steps. Leo pretended not to see the wince each time weight shifted to the injured leg. It would be a bit hypocritical of him to tell the other to stop and sit down immediately.

Apparently content with the test of his injuries, Slash returned to sitting on the bed. Well, that meant it was time to address the other bit. "So… you have a little more freedom now." When Leo hesitated the other turtle rolled his eyes,

"Just spit it out."

"Well, you can wander around in here, but there's an alarm if you try to leave the infirmary."

…

"That's it?"

"That's it." Leo sighed, "Look, dad trusts you, so you're getting a bit of leeway. Don't throw that trust back in our faces and it stays that way, got it?"

"The hell does he trust me for? I've been fighting you."

"You'd have to ask him. Knowing dad I wouldn't count on a straight answer, but he'll give you something." For his part, Leo saw some merit in what Mikey had said about the other teen being more 'chill' than the rest of the dark turtles. He just. Wasn't going to bring that up yet.

"Hm."

"Anyway… Mikey mentioned you have some nice art. Do you draw a lot?" Perfect. Not awkward at all Leo. Slash seemed wary of the question, squinting at Leo as he spoke,

"I guess. It's… fun enough."

"Cool." Well that went nowhere. Leo fidgeted with his hands. How did you carry a conversation with someone who seemed determined to give you nothing to work with? Mikey could ramble forever, but…

Slash surprised him when he spoke up again, "So Mikey draws, and cooks I guess? Donnie does tech… what do you do? For fun."

"Oh, hm… well all four of us play videogames, but I've tried a lot more since we came to the future. There are a lot of good ones! So many of them let you go to space and explore; Donnie was surprised by the accuracy of some of them. Even if I've been to space myself it's so interesting to explore the universes these games have."

"The planets and aliens are so much more imaginative than what I've played before. Some of them let you build the whole ship, and then there are online ones and you can have a whole crew with real people-" Leo paused, rubbing the back of his neck, "Sorry, I really started going there. I like space… obviously."

Slash surprised him a second time when Leo caught a glimpse of a thoughtful look, although it was quickly smoothed over into a neutral mask. "Talk all you want. I don't care." Leo hummed, smiling slightly,

"Sure, just don't tell Mikey that unless you're prepared to be there for a couple hours." Slash huffed in response— was Dark Mikey the same way? "Well if you don't mind me talking for a while… how much do you know about making weapons?"

"That depends on what you mean by 'making them'."

…

…

…

Slash had listened… far more patiently than Leo had expected. It was the most the other had reminded him of Raph so far. Dad kept reminding them that the two turtles weren't the same person… and he knew that. He did. He saw the differences.

It was nice, though, not feeling like he had to act like the oldest constantly. And that was just it, Slash felt older, something only Raph managed most times. Leo couldn't put his finger on exactly what made both of them able to do that.

Leo flopped backwards onto his bed. If Slash was really what he seemed, then maybe it wasn't too much to hope for the other dark turtles to- well. Maybe not. As far as they knew, the other three had almost killed Slash. They never did ask what happened, did they?

They knew Slash had been grabbed multiple times and not much else. What had started the fight in the first place? Was it actually all three siblings who'd attacked Slash or just one? Had fights been that violent before? Why was Dunn letting them happen? He had. So many questions. Would Slash even be telling the truth?

Leo groaned and started drumming his fingers against his plastron. At least the brace was on. Slash was healing, so… if he really wanted to do any harm it wouldn't be long before they found out. Probably. He supposed Slash just being an incredibly good actor wasn't entirely off the table. It would sure be… interesting, if that was the case.

Bonus, it’s Slash:

Mention the whack-ass metal shading and I come for your kneecaps 💜

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Hey remember this fic? Well it’s finally complete now! Enjoy!

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>>Contact April and Casey

Left Behind A Side: Part 2 Previous Part

Raph takes a deep breath, trying to remember what Master Splinter would always tell him. He won’t be doing anyone any good by flying off the handle. ‘Course, not in those exact words. Besides, it’s not like he’s alone alone. Probably. Hopefully.

He pulls out his Shell Cell, flipping through the speed dial until he finds April’s number. If anyone’s gonna pick up, it’s her. 

The phone rings for only a few seconds, but even that is unbearably long given the circumstances. Eventually there’s a click.

“Hello?”

“April! Shell, thank god you’re still here. Casey there with you?”

“Huh? Yeah, he’s here. Why, what’s going on? Are the others alright?”

“You guys gotta get over here. The others are just gone. I- I dunno what’s goin’ on but it’s not good. I’m still here and Klunk’s with me but… Can you get here?”

All he hears on the other side is silence for a few moments before April’s shouting for Casey in a panic. He guesses she’s lowered her phone based on how distant everything sounds, but he can catch what sounds like her filling him in as they get ready to go. After a bit the phone comes back to her ear.

“We’re on our way, see you soon.” 

Soon. Good enough. In the meantime he pokes around the living room, carefully trying to find anything too out of place. But… Besides his family the only things missing are the remote and rug. Huh. How would a remote and rug get zapped but not anything they were wearing? None of it makes any sense. 

“Mra?” 

“‘S alright Klunk. I’m sure there’s somethin’ we can do to find ‘em.” It’s more for himself than the cat, but still. His hands are shaking as he reaches one up to scratch Klunk under his chin. “They gotta be around here somewhere, right?” 

Raph goes back to the kitchen, pulling out a bag of treats and the tin of catnip. Even if he has to worry he can at least take Klunk’s mind off things. Not much later he hears the front door open. Finally. He runs to the entryway

“Raph! We got here as soon as we could.” April rushes to him, pulling him into a brief but tight hug.

“What happened, anyways?” Casey looks around the place. “Doesn’ seem like much is wrong.”

“That’s just it!” Raph pulls away, gesturing for them to follow him. They do. “I hear a noise while I’m in the kitchen and when I go look they’re just not there.”

When they reach the living room he steps aside to let the others poke around. Or, let April poke around. Casey stands beside him, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he looks over the scene.

“This kinda reminds me of that time you guys all went poof.” Casey elbows Raph gently. “You didn’t see any freaky dragon guy didja?”

“Nah. That guy won’t be comin’ back anyways.”

“And there wasn’t any sort of artifact either? Nothing?” April asks from across the room.

“Nah. An’ I know the rug and remote were clean.” 

April wanders back over, looking just as confused as Raph feels. 

“This… someone has to have done something, right? People don’t just disappear like that. I mean, even when you guys have in the past there was a reason.”

“If we’re talkin’ enemies, we can cross the Purple Dragons off the list.” Casey crosses his arms. “Ain’t no way he’s pullin’ off somethin’ like this.” 

“Karai, maybe? I know she’s left you guys alone for a while now but… she’d have the motive. And means, if she still has access to all Shredder’s resources.” 

That’s what he’d thought, initially. What he still thinks. Even if he isn’t sure why she would do such a thing after so long. Why now? But they’d also made a lot of enemies. Some more vindictive than others. 

“Could be a lotta people. The Daimyo might be able to help. Gonna be tricky to get to him. That time guy too…” Raph sighs. “Karai’d be the easiest to reach. Guess we could ask ‘round, maybe the Professor’s seen ‘em. Or Mikey’s Justice Force buddies.”

“If you go after Karai we can cover asking around, if you want.” April puts a hand on his shoulder. “So what’s the plan?”

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>>Contact April and Casey

Left Behind A Side: Part 2 Previous Part

Raph takes a deep breath, trying to remember what Master Splinter would always tell him. He won’t be doing anyone any good by flying off the handle. ‘Course, not in those exact words. Besides, it’s not like he’s alone alone. Probably. Hopefully.

He pulls out his Shell Cell, flipping through the speed dial until he finds April’s number. If anyone’s gonna pick up, it’s her. 

The phone rings for only a few seconds, but even that is unbearably long given the circumstances. Eventually there’s a click.

“Hello?”

“April! Shell, thank god you’re still here. Casey there with you?”

“Huh? Yeah, he’s here. Why, what’s going on? Are the others alright?”

“You guys gotta get over here. The others are just gone. I- I dunno what’s goin’ on but it’s not good. I’m still here and Klunk’s with me but… Can you get here?”

All he hears on the other side is silence for a few moments before April’s shouting for Casey in a panic. He guesses she’s lowered her phone based on how distant everything sounds, but he can catch what sounds like her filling him in as they get ready to go. After a bit the phone comes back to her ear.

“We’re on our way, see you soon.” 

Soon. Good enough. In the meantime he pokes around the living room, carefully trying to find anything too out of place. But… Besides his family the only things missing are the remote and rug. Huh. How would a remote and rug get zapped but not anything they were wearing? None of it makes any sense. 

“Mra?” 

“‘S alright Klunk. I’m sure there’s somethin’ we can do to find ‘em.” It’s more for himself than the cat, but still. His hands are shaking as he reaches one up to scratch Klunk under his chin. “They gotta be around here somewhere, right?” 

Raph goes back to the kitchen, pulling out a bag of treats and the tin of catnip. Even if he has to worry he can at least take Klunk’s mind off things. Not much later he hears the front door open. Finally. He runs to the entryway

“Raph! We got here as soon as we could.” April rushes to him, pulling him into a brief but tight hug.

“What happened, anyways?” Casey looks around the place. “Doesn’ seem like much is wrong.”

“That’s just it!” Raph pulls away, gesturing for them to follow him. They do. “I hear a noise while I’m in the kitchen and when I go look they’re just not there.”

When they reach the living room he steps aside to let the others poke around. Or, let April poke around. Casey stands beside him, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly as he looks over the scene.

“This kinda reminds me of that time you guys all went poof.” Casey elbows Raph gently. “You didn’t see any freaky dragon guy didja?”

“Nah. That guy won’t be comin’ back anyways.”

“And there wasn’t any sort of artifact either? Nothing?” April asks from across the room.

“Nah. An’ I know the rug and remote were clean.” 

April wanders back over, looking just as confused as Raph feels. 

“This… someone has to have done something, right? People don’t just disappear like that. I mean, even when you guys have in the past there was a reason.”

“If we’re talkin’ enemies, we can cross the Purple Dragons off the list.” Casey crosses his arms. “Ain’t no way he’s pullin’ off somethin’ like this.” 

“Karai, maybe? I know she’s left you guys alone for a while now but… she’d have the motive. And means, if she still has access to all Shredder’s resources.” 

That’s what he’d thought, initially. What he still thinks. Even if he isn’t sure why she would do such a thing after so long. Why now? But they’d also made a lot of enemies. Some more vindictive than others. 

“Could be a lotta people. The Daimyo might be able to help. Gonna be tricky to get to him. That time guy too…” Raph sighs. “Karai’d be the easiest to reach. Guess we could ask ‘round, maybe the Professor’s seen ‘em. Or Mikey’s Justice Force buddies.”

“If you go after Karai we can cover asking around, if you want.” April puts a hand on his shoulder. “So what’s the plan?”

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New chapter ‘tis complete @mousermayhem

A little bit of progress is made!

Donnie entered the kitchen with a frown. "He didn't eat anything we left out for him last night… I don't know what to do." Mikey wilted from where he sat by the stove.

"Man, really? He seemed so protective over his food yesterday! Does he just not like what we've been giving him?"

"I fear it may not be so simple, but let me try to bring him some breakfast. I will see what I can do." Mikey perked up and nodded, refocusing on cooking with a new goal in mind. Meanwhile, Splinter watched as Donnie pulled out a chair and took a seat. He'd apparently brought one of the protein bars they'd left out back with him, flipping it over to read the ingredients.

"Maybe he's allergic to something? Raph doesn't have any allergies, though… he'd never go this long without eating either…" Splinter waited silently for his son to finish before speaking again,

"It's important to remember that our guest is not Raphael, as similar as he may be. He is going to be different from your brother in many ways."

"Still… hm." Donnie slumped in his seat, resting his arms on the table while he stared at the ingredients label like it would give him the answers. The snack of course laid dormant. 

Splinter moved to rest a comforting hand on his son's shoulder, "I know you miss your brother; we will see him again soon. Raphael will be excited to see you when we return home." Donnie didn't look up. He simply continued to stare and pick at the snack's packaging with a downcast expression. It seemed lifting his son's mood would not be possible for the moment.

It hurt to see his son missing his brother so dearly. Raphael was normally a solid support for his twin in situations like these, but there was little to be done when he was out of reach.

Splinter was called away by Mikey finishing breakfast preparations, passing two plates over to his father. "One for you, and one for Dark Raph! Wait I totally forgot to give him a nickname!" Splinter chuckled and shook his head.

"That can wait for after everyone has had breakfast. I am sure he can manage for a little while longer. Now, go eat with your brothers— I will be back when our guest has hopefully finished his meal." Mikey gave a mock salute before turning to get his own plate, calling Leo and Donnie back to the kitchen.

For his part, Splinter made his way to the infirmary. "I've brought breakfast. Are you up for eating this morning?" The turtle on the bed barely shifted. Getting close enough to set the plates aside revealed that the teen was exhibiting the same behavior his eldest had seen the day before.

It was unsettling how well Dark Raph managed to fake sleep. Splinter wasn't worried about an attack, no, but rather what prompted such a behavior to seem practiced. For now he knew he would not be finding answers. He took the teen's plate and walked around to sit on the edge of the bed the turtle was facing.

"I am not sure what it is that seems to have made you feel unsafe, but we are not going to withhold food from you. I do not wish to see a child under my care getting less than they need to eat. As of right now, you are one of those children." Splinter set the plate down near the turtle's head as he continued, "You will not be hurt because of food under this roof, I promise you, and I will continue to provide it until you are able to see that." The child didn't even twitch.

Having said his piece, Splinter returned to his normal spot to eat. He kept the majority of his attention off the teen, reading between bites. It was still quite a while before there were any signs of movement.

Catching the sound of the turtle shifting and taking some of the food had Splinter mentally sighing in relief. The boy was finally eating something. Maybe piercing eyes tracked Splinter's every move, but progress was progress. He would do things this way during every meal if he had to.

Eventually the soft clack of the plate being set aside reached Splinter's ears. He waited a moment before getting up to take it. "Thank you. Get some rest, I will bring you more later." No response, but he wasn't surprised. Walking back to the kitchen Splinter was pleased to note that Dark Raph had actually cleared the plate. Knowing the teen had managed at least one solid meal was a weight off his shoulders.

As it turned out, Mikey and Leo were also excited to see two empty plates. "Hey he actually ate something!"

"What did you do that worked?" Leo took the dishes from Splinter's hands as he spoke, adding them to the pile already taking up residence in the sink.

"I simply ate nearby and kept my focus off of him. Unfortunately, I don't think this is an issue that will be quick to resolve. For now I can handle taking him meals, and we'll go from there." His sons both nodded, apparently content as long as there was a plan. He would have to inform Donatello later.

It was a few hours before they all returned to the infirmary, Mikey no longer able to contain his excitement regarding their guest's nickname. Dark Raph was sitting up this time as they entered the room— drawing in the notepad Mikey had brought in for him. The youngest didn't hesitate to scramble onto the bed, caution thrown to the wind. Thankfully, their guest seemed mildly alarmed at worst by the sudden close proximity.

Donnie and Leo were less keen on invading the larger turtle's space, taking their usual spots nearby while Mikey started talking. "So I totally forgot about giving you a nickname yesterday. But! That just means I had time to think of a cool one!" Dark Raph raised an eyebrow, tilting his head,

"And your idea would be?"

"Slash! Y'know, because you have the cool claws and spikes. Whaddya think? Ya like it?"

"Sure. That one's fine."

"You can tell him it's bad if you don't like it." Mikey's head whipped around so he could glare at his brother. Meanwhile, Slash's gaze flicked rapidly between the two, the end of his tail curling around a blanket.

"Wh- Donnie?! Hey!"

"It's fine. I like it." The response was clipped, but Slash seemed uninterested in continuing the conversation— mouth clamped shut as he watched them all warily. Splinter decided to intervene when it looked like his youngest was about to argue.

"If he's comfortable with the nickname we can stick with it for now. It can always change later if Slash decides he wants it to." Mikey hummed in reply, but he was only put-out for a moment before he thought of something.

"Oh! I'll grab my sketchbook! You're probably bored being in here by yourself all the time, so we can hang out and draw for a bit." Slash nodded, and Splinter watched as some of the tension faded from the teen's body with the resolution of the conflict. He would have to speak with his sons about resolving arguments outside of their guest's vicinity.

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The unfortunate thing about boops is that i can only do them from my main blog and this is a humble side blog. (If a sophisticated-butt boops you thats me)