#03 Leo to the rescue

[aealzx]

“Augustine-,” Don called in a mix of fear and warning as the blaster took aim, picking up his bo and reflexively rushing forward to at the very least act as a bodily shield if it came to it. But he wasn’t faster than the pulse of energy crashing into the back of Donnie’s shoulder, shattering the turbine and knocking him forward to the ground. Being almost directly under the source of the anti mystic energy now, Donnie could only give a strangled half scream that cut off and curled around himself, trying to smother his pounding head to get away from the crippling migraine. He didn’t even notice Augustine coming to stand near him, holding a small handgun pointed at him with her free hand.

“... Not going to elaborate on that, Donatello?” Augustine asked, watching as Don stopped where he was as soon as the gun was drawn, daring him to continue his warning. “You’ve continued to harass me, and caused irreparable damage to not only my research, but also my facility, and my employees. For weeks. I think it’s only fair that for once I get to claim what I’m after. I’m the one who brought these two to this dimension. Therefore they’re mine to contro-”

The monologue of twistedly justified complaints and demands from Augustine was cut off by an armored leg colliding with the side of her head, the handgun clattering to the floor along with her unconscious body. “Surprise, bitch!” Leo belted in a moment of uncharacteristic language acting as an outlet for his myriad of conflicting emotions. He had just escaped being captive, ran through too many rooms of people pulling guns on him with only blinking lights to guide him, and then came into a room with a lunatic holding a gun at a collapsed teenager. Mikey could only respond to the abrupt swing in the situation by belting out a short laugh, flopping onto his back once again, but this time in relief. Raphael just grinned with a mild snort, scooping Lil Mikey up into a cradle and finally leaving his hiding spot. The three brothers had all seen Leo sprinting through the smoke, but hadn’t reacted so they wouldn’t give Augustine any hints that he was there. The choice of words from their frazzled brother had caught them all off guard though.

The unusual behavior didn’t last long. When Don rushed over to the mystic nullifier to disable it, Leo dropped to his knees next to Donnie, hands hovering towards him. “Hey… can you hear me?” he asked softly, not wanting to cause the kid any more throbbing in his apparently already miserable brain. He almost breathed a sigh of relief when Donnie cracked his eyes open to look up at him after the abhorrent machine was turned off. But the breath caught in his lungs and he had to quickly lean away when Donnie’s hand flung up towards his face, an aggressive, snarling hiss escaping the smaller form. “Woah- that’s new,” Leo muttered, momentarily surprised at the sound. He couldn’t blame Donnie for reacting that way, especially after getting a better look at his pale face, shaking form, and hearing his ragged breaths. “I’m here to help. It’s okay-” Leo assured, reaching out again after shaking his head slightly to Don to keep him from approaching and potentially making the teen feel trapped.

Donnie had shoved himself upright, but hissed again when he noticed Leo’s hands moving towards him, pulling away. “Don’t….-kng touch me,” he half slurred, voice failing and apparently forcing an enormous amount of effort into talking, swinging a hand to awkwardly try and swat Leo away again.

Leo’s brows furrowed, unsure of how to react. His first thought was to just pull the kid close and comfort him, but he didn’t seem to want any contact at all. Was he hurting? He looked more dizzy and exhausted than in pain. Leo wasn’t sure what use repeating himself would be in this situation. And he also wasn’t used to kids refusing help when they were in such a state. He could see the budding tears in the teens eyes, so Leo knew he was at his limit. Yet he was also refusing to back down. As though he didn’t think there was actually anyone there to help him.

 Pursing his lips, Leo rapidly considered ideas and discarded them, feeling they would get the wrong response. After swatting him away Donnie’s hands had remained awkwardly in the air. But he was also swaying unsteadily, his gaze at nothing as he was apparently trying to collect himself enough to move. Or do something. It was a complete guess, but Leo took a gander and very gently moved his hands to loop his knuckles underneath Donnie’s shaking fingers. He didn’t grip Donnie’s hands in any manner, nor tried to move them. Just gave him somewhere to rest his limbs, and hopefully give him comforting physical contact and some sort of support that he had control over.

The touch caused Donnie to gasp, and flinch away slightly. But to Leo’s relief he didn’t pull away completely, or lash out. Just sat, staring at the hands his fingers were resting on in non comprehending confusion. His half focused eyes blinked at odd intervals, and fingers flexed experimentally while Leo remained in his chosen position, face an open book of worry.

After an uncomfortable stretch of motionless silence between them, Leo took another risk to speak up again. “...Can I take you to your brother?”

When Donnie’s gaze lifted to him with a squinted, unfocused stare, Leo slowly moved his head to look where Raphael was standing with Lil Mikey cradled carefully in his arms. Donnie’s gaze followed his, and when he saw Lil Mikey he drew a shuddering breath, leaning forward so far Leo thought he was going to fall over. But he dared not move yet, even as Donnie’s hand left his to weakly reach out towards Lil Mikey, the younger brother’s name a bare mumble of broken sounds.

“It’s okay Dee. They’re safe,” Mikey spoke softly, his concern for Donnie making it a little easier to ignore his throbbing arm and burning lungs.

Donnie didn’t seem to outwardly respond, but his gaze grew heavy as his eyes started to flutter, and form started to sag. Leo was afraid to startle him again, so forced himself to remain motionless until Donnie obviously collapsed. Only then did Leo reach his hands up to catch him, gently pulling him close to rest against his chest. “... I’m going to pick you up and take you to your brother now, okay?” he asked, even though he wasn’t sure if Donnie was still conscious, but he figured it was better to continue telling him what he was doing.

When he didn’t get a reaction, Leo just adjusted his grip on Donnie, scooping his arms under Donnie’s legs and easily hefting him up off the floor. As he rose to his feet Don took that as clearance to rush over, resting a palm on Donnie’s cheek before touching fingertips to his neck. “Slight fever, weak pulse…,” Don muttered, then pressed a finger against his headset while following Leo over to the rest of the group. “April, everyone is accounted for. Can you lead us out, and look up the video feed for the other Dontatello and send it to my phone? I need to see what they did…”

It wasn’t a comforting thing to hear from the ones that had rescued them, and as soon as Donnie was brought close enough Lil Mikey reached out his uninjured hand to quickly grab Donnie’s limp hand. At first he was worried he wouldn’t get a response, memories of Donnie’s motionless hand and unresponsive sleep coming to his mind. But after feeling Donnie’s fingers curl weakly around his, Lil Mikey gave a hesitant smile, giving Donnie’s hand a small squeeze back while allowing his cheek to rest against Raphael’s shoulder.

Watching the small exchange, Raphael was tempted to slap Augustine awake so he could give her a screaming lecture. But instead he motioned for Don to take the lead, making sure Mikey was still near him as well. “... Let’s get out of here,” Raphael directed, adjusting his position to be next to Leo. He didn’t want to force the two teens to have to let go of each other’s hands if he could help it. But then again that was only part of the reason to stick to his newly rescued brother’s side. Leo could only offer him a quick smile, and soft thanks before the worry returned to his features.

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I was spamming Nier piano music while editing the writing on this one. TvT so good.

The next part is already up, cause this is about where it would tie in with Rise Leon, Raph and April. But I've caught up on what I have typed out, so the next part after that might be delayed again XDD I work in spurts |D

Also I took out Augustine quickly, I know, but this is supposed to be a short project, so I didn't want to wear myself out on her. Especially since she's just an insert plot device villain ¯\_(979)_/¯

Random coban tip I learned from my momma: if coban is wrapped in a figure 8 around the arm instead of straight around the elbow it can still apply enough pressure on the blood draw site without making it feel like you're squeezing your arm in half when you bend it ;P

[tizeline]

hii! i’d love to know what are your favourite tmnt aus<33

Replica by kathaynesart was one of the first AUs I got really invested in, I'm pretty sure. It's just all around a really well made story, great balance of both comedic and more heartfelt darker moments. Also something about the way Kat makes comics just immerses you and get you really invested!

Empyrean Weeping by cupcakeslushie is another one of the first AUs I got into, and it'd inspired me a lot. The more recent comics focusing on Leo and him getting rescued from the Foot especially have been absolutely phenomenal, I'm so fricking invested in this story man you have no idea! (Also this AU is what got me to check out the IDW TMNT comics in the first place, and that's like one of my favorite TMNT iterations now so that's cool)

Ghost In The Shell by amevello-blue is hilarious cuz it's just 03!Donnie, coming from a more grounded and serious version of TMNT reacting to all the bonkers shit happening in RotTMNT. Also Ghost's relationship with the Rise turtles is adorable and wholesome and afbiafhaijdfahkj this AU makes me FEEL things man

Little Kid With A Big Death Wish by remedyturtles, speaking of feeling things, fucking OUCH! OUCHIE OW! Also very interesting take on the F!Leo-gets-sent-back-to-the-present-trope that this fandom (and me) loves so much, I'm absolutely living for it

Sidelined by dandylovesturtles and OH LOOK! MORE OUCHIE! I love the idea of Leo getting yeeted into the the dark armour, and Sidelined AU is the most developed story about this concept that I've personally been able to find. Anyway I love it, awesomesauce!!

[yellowhollyhock]

Instead if the typical arguing over leadership. Raph and Leo’s arguments consist of who sacrifices themselves while the others get away. Meanwhile the bad guys are like um you know we are still here right?

*nods violently*

like in 2012 Raph is so scared when Leo tries sacrificing himself (something Splinter encouraged whether he meant to or not), and like yeah there is canonically an element of jealousy which is addressed, but it's much less often addressed how much Raph pushing back against Leo's leadership is because of those experiences. Of course he's gonna have a hard time trusting Leo's leadership when he consistently gets reminders that to Leo, being a leader means throwing yourself into the fire first

And in the meantime Leo's so protective and wants Raph to 'stay put' and 'not be a hothead' for the same reasons but opposite. Like. hnnnnn

Then in 03, Raph really does trust Leo's leadership and most of the time Leo is careful and thoughtful, not overly cautious, but it's a much slower build to the perfectionism and self-incrimination mixing in unfortunate ways with an altruistic heart. And Raph is seeing it first, and fighting it loudest, and Leo's entire ptsd arc is about how much he hates himself for asking his family to sacrifice themselves to stop the Shredder. I think of the City at War arc where, when Raph breaks and leaves, his parting words to Leo are 'just don't get these guys killed.' Like, Fine, if you don't want me to protect you, I won't, but that means it's on you to protect our little brothers. If I can't stop you from putting yourself up on the altar, you just better not bring them with you. And what Raph's really upset about is that all the ways he usually tries to protect Leo aren't working, but later on what Leo's internalized is that he shouldn't ask that of him family; he'd ask it of himself every time (it's a whole other post about how much Leo has tied up his purpose in life with being the Shredder's enemy and if Shredder is defeated then who is he and what is he worth)

Meanwhile whenever Leo holds Raph back it's most often like this: Raph saw someone in trouble or something unfair, and immediately instinctively wanted to throw his body in front of the victim, the way he always does for his brothers during a fight. Leo knows Raph does this, he knows how deeply his brother cares about their city and how instinctively protective he is if anyone helpless (weaponless, back turned, kids, elderly, animals--Raph does not like to see an uneven fight). And he's always immediately ready with a hand on his shoulder and a succinct, gentle explanation of a safer plan because he doesn't want to see Raph give himself up and he knows he would, without even thinking about it

Anyways--

Yes I love this scenario it fits them. Also makes me think of sainw where their big fight was over Splinter doing this exact move, with Leo putting off the grief and guilt in order to focus on the mission Splinter left him with, keeping his brothers safe, while Raph felt it all full force and immediately and could only see Leo abandoning someone who needed them. They probably both wished over the years that it had been them instead

Also imagining that if these two are arguing and the bad guys are watching, then they are in fact distracted which would allow Donnie and Mikey to disappear and once they've disappeared they can create a diversion to rescue Leo and Raph without anyone being left behind. Which also leaves them continuing their argument with nothing resolved between them ajdhahavaj

[cnwolf-brainrot]

03 Turtles - Greatest Fears

At least, as sourced from season 3, episode 14: The Darkness Within. I rewatched this episode, where the turtles are shown some of their greatest fears through hallucinogenic visions, and I decided to hyper-analyze the scenes to a friend of mine who doesn't watch TMNT so now I'm throwing these thoughts here as well. Simply put, these are the visions the turtles are shown: Leonardo: the death of Master Splinter Donatello: the death of Angel (who they were trying to help on this mission) Michelangelo: Leonardo turning against him Raphael: himself as the Shredder

As for why each of these are extremely important, I analyze them under the cut~

Leonardo: Leo holds Splinter's praise so much higher than his brothers do. Leo is the eldest child, the leader, the good student and the role model. He strives to emulate his father in all that he does. However, Splinter's death isn't some distant fantasy that Leo could never imagine; it's a real, stark, bone-deep terror that Leo carries. He's seen Splinter on the brink of death before. They all thought they lost him for a bit during season one. Leo knows his father isn't invincible, and that is TERRIFYING to him. He's the one who his brothers look to for guidance, and Leo looks to Splinter... without his father, EVERYTHING falls on his shoulders, and is he strong enough to bear that? This is further proved by the fact that in the vision thing Leo sees, Splinter rescues him before he dies; he looks to his father for guidance, security, everything... having to lead alone is his greatest fear.

Donatello: Don gets like twenty seconds of screen time and that makes me mad, but what he gets is important. Out of all of his brothers, his is the only vision that's focused on someone other than direct family. Donatello is a people-focused character; he goes out of his way to help others, and constantly throughout the series we see how empathetic he is. It doesn't matter if the focus of the episode is helping a dear friend or a stranger; Donny is the first in line to help. Moreover, he takes every single life they touch personally. This is seen specifically through how he keeps a bond with the homeless population of New York (seen in multiple episodes), how he witnesses the loss of April's neighbor Kirby, and how he spends months trying to find a cure for people who were experimented on by the Shredder (seen in the Underground episodes) even after his brothers have all but forgotten about them. Don is quick to protect people, and when he does he takes every single failure to heart. Failing someone he pledged to help is his greatest fear.

Michelangelo: Mikey seeing one of his brothers, particularly Leonardo, turn against him shows so much of his relationship with his brothers. Mikey's the annoying one, the goofball, the one the others are always teasing to the point its almost mean... but every single one of them would jump to his side in an INSTANT if he was hurt. This isn't just something Mikey "knows", it's something he SEES. Every time Mikey is in trouble, or -- God forbid -- an enemy makes the mistake of THREATENING Mikey, his brothers come out in full force. I can't even reference specific episodes here because it's throughout the WHOLE SERIES. Mikey knows he's annoying, and he knows he gets on his brothers nerves sometimes. But one thing he never has to doubt is if his brothers would be by his side... that is, until they're not. If there's ever something that would push his brothers far enough that they're not there with him, then what would he be left with? His brothers turning against him is Mikey's greatest fear.

Raphael: Raphael. OHHHHHH Raphael. The second Raph's was reveal was the second I decided I needed to type out this rant. At first his is simple; The Shredder walks out and attacks him. Raph fights back, as he always does, but eventually the helmet is knocked off and the Shredder's face is revealed... only it's Raph's face. And this shows us just what Raph is scared of; HIMSELF. Raphael genuinely struggles with anger issues in the 2003 show in a way that's a bit more prominent than in other iterations (my favorite example of this is probably the "what's wrong with me?" from the episode Lone Raph and Cub). He's angry, he's destructive, and he KNOWS this. It's something he's been told and seen for years. He struggles with controlling his anger, and he's had times before when he's lashed out and nearly hurt his brothers. Most of the time he brushes it off and recovers and makes up for it by throwing himself into danger to make sure his brothers aren't hurt. What makes this so heartbreaking is that this Raphael is an absolute sweetheart. He's all brawn and thick skin on the outside, but he's an utter softie; take his interactions with Tyler from Lone Raph and Cub, Mrs. Morrison from Touch and Go, or Ryan from this episode. And that's not to mention his interactions with his brothers!! This Raphael has a huge heart for others, and he has no idea. He genuinely doesn't seem to understand the fact that he's a caring person because he only is aware of his own faults. The fact that he sees himself as this -- their greatest enemy unmasked to see HIMSELF underneath -- shows just how little he knows about who he truly is. Raphael's greatest fear is himself, and that utterly breaks, my heart. Ok I'm done that's just my turtle overanalysis for the day, thank you for coming to my TED talk

[brightlotusmoon]

A 20 year old headcanon that I'm thrilled to learn others have: the Ninja Turtles as literal cryptids with eldritch forces in their mutations whether they know it or not. Especially 03 and 07.

Donnie: Psychically aware of and linked to anything mechanical, electronic, technological. Stuff just happens around him, things start working. Better wifi signals, cars starting easily.

Mikey: Connects to people, animals, the elements. Cheers up everyone within a mile. Inspires games, creativity, gathering. Attracts animals that need help. Literally brings sunshine if he's there for more than ten minutes.

Leo: Able to manipulate a situation to his advantage, like being completely ignored by nearby humans while he goes shopping, and projecting confident authority so nobody questions him.

Raph: Feeds off the energies and emotions of the city overall, full of physical power that helps rescue or prevent or assist. Can turn combat around by thoroughly reading his opponents and playing off their actions and reactions.

[taffycandyqt]

Seeing someone who writes for the 03 characters beyond just the turtles is making me insane (/pos) like thank you for giving April and Casey some love! Wanted to say that first! But can I request fic where 03 Casey’s spouse (I’d prefer he/him or they/them be used for reader please!) gets kidnapped by the purple dragons or something and everyone’s like awww shit but actually reader comes back ten seconds later saying “I just taught those morons why they don’t mess with a jones” or something I’m sorry if this is formatted weird I’m just really excited to see someone writing for a character I’ve been obsessed since I was thirteen 😭

I'm so happy I write for a character you love!! Your so sweet this req got me giggling and kicking my feet!!

Don't Mess With A Jones

2003 Casey A. Jones x gn reader

Very slight angst, fluff, slight crack

Warnings: mentions of blood (like twice), angst if you squint

You and Casey have been married for a while now. In that time you both thought that the Purple Dragons were out of commission after the turtles took down not only Shredder but Hun as well. That was a stupid assumption apparently.

You were missing. You were missing and the only thing in your place was a note from the Purple Dragons. And of course it was about the turtles. If he wanted you free the turtles and himself had to give themselves up to the purple dragons.

Yeeeeeah, no.

Instead of doing what they asked Casey went straight to the lair to formulate a rescue plan. Casey being Casey however, he did it... less than gracefully. Once he was lowered into the lair via ancient elevator he was yelling and effectively freaked out all the turtles there.

Everyone gathered at the entrance weapons bared and ready to fight off whatever unholy being just cursed their home. Upon seeing it was Casey though, they put their weapons away while Raph yelled at him to get it together.

"Cas- CASEY! CHILL OUT!" He shouted while gripping his shoulders. After he had calmed down he was able to ask, "What happened?"

"It- it's y/n. Look." Casey handed him the note. Before Raph could properly read anything important though, Leo took it and began reading it. This prompted an annoyed huff and arm cross from Raph.

"What's it say?" Asked Donny looking over Leo's shoulder with Mikey trying to get a better look. Emphasis on 'trying'.

"The Purple Dragons kidnapped y/n and the only way they'll set them free is if we all, including Casey, give ourselves up."

"That's lame. How dumb do they think we are?" Commented Mikey.

"Dumb as you apparently." Raph quipped in response.

"HEY!"

"Does it say anything about where they took them?" Don asked.

Leo handed him the note, "They did give an address of where they want us to go. It's hard to say if y/n is there or not."

Donnie continued to study the note. Mikey made his way over to look too and Don moved it towards him a little to make it easier for him to read.

"So what are we gonna do? We can't exactly walk into an obvious trap." Raph directed his question towards Leo.

"I'm not sure yet. When we had run ins with the Purple Dragons in the past there wasn't the life of an innocent on the line. On top of that we know the Purple Dragons aren't exactly the patient type. So whatever we do come up with we're gonna have to act fast."

"Leo, I can't lose them. Kay'? I already lost too much to the Purple Dragons, I'm not losing y/n too."

"No one's losing anyone today Casey. Not in my watch." Leo looked around at everyone.

"Oh!" exclaimed Mikey, "What if we all went to one base of the purple dragons that we know about? We go stealth and look around for y/n!"

"That would be too risky Mikey, and it would take too long to. If none of us find y/n we could be waisting precious time." Leo told him, "I'm going to talk to Master Splinter. He might be able to see this from a different angle."

Grabbing Leo's shoulder Casey asked him, "Umm how long do you think that's gonna take. I'm kinda freaking out over here."

"Hey, Case, you need some water?" Raph offered, "Could help. At least a little."

Casey looked at Raph and then back at Leo.

"I'll be as quick as I can." Leo told him. And with that Casey was following Raph to the kitchen to get some water. Don went back to his lab to pack some equipment for some inconveniences that might present themselves during the rescue. While Mikey was back to reading comics on the couch.

After Casey had chugged his water he began to pace around the lair.

"Dude you gotta chill out. Y/n will be fine." Mikey smiled over the couch in hopes of getting Casey to sit down.

"I can't CHILL Mikey! I've got a real bad feeling and the longer I'm here the more I feel like I should be up there looking for them."

"Your anxiety is understandable but maybe you should rest had breath a little. Sharpen your mental focus a little for when we do go out to get them." Donny advised.

"I am mentally focused."

"Hey, maybe just let the guy be huh? Nothing we can say with calm him down anyways." Responded Raph.

Just then Leo came out of the dogo and with confidence stated, "I have a plan."

Everyone came from their respective areas and gathered around to hear what Leo had to say.

"First we are gonna need-" just then everyone heard the sound of "elevator" to the lair open. Then out stepped you. Bloody, battered, slightly limping, and a bat wrapped with barb wire in your hand.

"Y/N!", Casey ran to hug you. After giving you one big, slightly painful, squeeze he looked at you concerned, "What happened, what did they do to you? Oh I'll kill em' all of em'."

"Nothing much happened really," you responded and he looked at your face, "just taught them a lesson about messing with a Jones."

Casey had never felt so proud of you. Gosh he loved you so much. The pride that you were his, that you were so amazing and you were his. He hugged you again, softer this time, and buried his face in your hair. You were bloody, covered in wounds, and smelled like a combination of blood, sweat, and dust, but he didn't care. You were safe.

"Wait. Did you just... beat them all up then?" Asked Mikey.

------------------------------------------------------------Not gonna lie, figuring out how to write this one was a little challenging but in the end I can say I'm very happy with it!

[music-fr34k]

“I-I think..?”

{The agent shows up behind you.}

I don't think your authorized to be here.

“Shit.”

[ currently in-front of a row of empty cells ]

[yzafre]

Hey I really really liked your tmnt 12/rise post! At first I was like, I don't know about this, but when your actually explained your point I think it made a lot of sense. The series strengths/weaknesses and how it messed with expectations. But I would like to also share if you don't mind, why I think its so frustrating that 12 isn't character focused. The plot in 12 is driven by the characters rather than being something that happens via external forces. 12s plot at its core is about the drama between Yoshi and Saki and how it affects their family. The Kraang kidnapped April's father, space arc kicked off because home planet was destroyed. All very personal. Karai deciding to go after Shredder or April's decision to keep away from the turtles are character decisions that affect the plot. You can absolutely have a plot that isn't so personal to the characters. 03 for example has a less personal main plot, so it makes the relative lack of character development less obvious. The character decision based plot made the character writing all the more apparent imo. (As for Rise I think having a first episode be more plot less character definitely was not helpful, nor was the wacky episode release order, and I think Rise dragging its feet on clarifying the plot included the turtles understanding of the plot, which made it difficult to understand the turtles perspective until it was retroactively filled in).

Hi! I'm so glad you enjoyed my rambling, and even more glad you want to talk about it!

My posts was definitely more focused on pure observation than any kind of judgement on what I think it should/should not have done, but obviously it's going to hit people differently depending on tastes and preferences.

You've definitely got a valid argument for why you would have preferred more character-focused work. I also would have preferred that - but I'm a big fan of character-focused, so I'm very biased. I tend to keep that in mind and try to meet the story where it's at, looking at the type of story it wanted to be (and taking everything it wasn't interested in as creative inspiration for the fandom space).

As for the actual content of your point, I both agree and disagree! That is, I agree with the premise that the set-up (Yoshi and Saki, April and the Kraang) is very personal, which seemed to naturally lend itself to leaning into the characters more. ((I've got several posts in my 'yza talks about a thing' tag that refer to this feeling.))

What I disagree with - sort of - is the statement "the plot in 12 is driven by the characters rather than being something that happens via external forces".

The plot is driven by the Shredder (and very occasionally be Leo).

And I would consider the Shredder an external force.

What I mean to say is, for a lot of the story the turtles - our protagonists - are very reactive. The Kraang are trying to destroy the world, so the turtles need to stop them. The Shredder is trying to kill them, so the turtles need to stop him. That's not really driven by their internal wants or goals. The story... doesn't really care want the turtles actually want? Other than to stay alive. (With another 'except for Leo' caveat.)

There are exceptions! You brought up the space arc, of course, which I think is a mix - the Triceratons just kind of came out of nowhere, you know? Earlier in the story they're actively trying to learn more about the Kraang because they want to help April with her dad, but that goes away half-way through the series. Trying to find/rescue Karai is a recurring internal motivation.

((I have a... very different estimation of how much Karai and April's actions actually affected the plot, so I'll leave that alone. How the writing handled those two would be an Entire Other Post.))

And I think your frustration might actually be the tension between how personal the set-up is on paper, and the lack of investment the turtles (excluding Leo) actually have with it? That it feels like setup that never gets a payoff. I might just be re-phrasing what you were trying to say, at this point.

As for Rise, yeah, I would generally agree with you. The production shenanigans Definitely didn't help. The way the plot drags its feet means it takes a while for things to get personal, which is when a lot of the best episodes start kicking in.

Anyways, maybe you agree with me, maybe you don't - we're kind of getting into opinion/perception territory here! But I love talking about stuff like this either way. Getting different people's perspectives is really interesting.

Thanks for the ask!

[bluepeachstudios]

Your writing is amazing!!!! Honestly!!! Ghost in a shell is amazing!!(but it’s also a roller coaster for me) That got me thinking a lot of “What if’s?”(I may or may not have watched marvel)

What if Usagi met the turtle fam earlier?(I don’t know how early but I was thinking maybe childhood friends?)

What if 03’ Turtle fam met 18’ turtle tots?(Who would adopt who?)

What if 18’ turtles accidentally went to 03’?

Have some Cake!!!🍰 Happy Anniversary 03’ Fam!!!!

AHH THANKS SO MUCH! I'm glad you like Ghost in the Shell! Next chapter will be very rough but I promise that comfort is coming after that! I love thinking of what-if's, honestly. They're a lot of fun.

-- What if Usagi met the turtle fam earlier? I actually have the notes for an AU I had where the turtles are a part of Usagi's world and they are the sons of a lord. Usagi and Katsuichi are visiting to introduce Usagi to Leo (who will be taking over when he gets older) who Usagi is supposed to be retainer for. Instead, the tenshu is attacked and Usagi helps the turtles escape. He's knocked unconscious in the process and believes he sees them get taken by ninjas. When he wakes they're nowhere to be found, so he believes he'd failed. Except!! Later on he goes out and runs into them again! And they're ninjas now! (They were rescued by Splinter, a family friend). Usagi still feels like he has a duty to Leo so he sticks by his side, bodyguard x royal trope, etc. etc.

-- '03 and Rise crossover with Rise Tots? Who would adopt who? Oh boy do I have great news for you. My good friend @20s-turtle-posting has been talking a lot about doing exactly this. Personally, I think Mikey would adopt Rise Leo, Raph would adopt Rise Mikey, Leo would adopt Rise Raph, and Donnie would adopt Donnie because honestly who else is going to take care of a kid who knows more than they do by the age of 10.

-- What if Rise went to '03? I honestly hope someone does something like this because AUGH that'd be SO GOOD. Rise boys having to deal with BISHOP? Stockman, Karai? Imagine how confusing that'd be. "GRAMGRAM?" "W h a t did you just call me"

Happy 20th anniversary!! Everyone enjoy theyselves! Watch your favorite 2003 episode, for me <3

[iztarshi]

oh boy, i believe i recognize what au "raphael vs aoi" is from! i didn't realize you were writing it, tell me more :D

I think I did share this snippet on the server! But I am very happy to talk about this AU.

First, context for anyone who does not know about a Very Specific turtle AU XD

This is a server AU where the various iterations of turtles are werewolf packs living in the same area. This kind of started with the meta thought of werewolves as "monster, curse or animal", due to the different ways horror movies can treat them and the different ways they might view themselves, and how this overlaps with how mutant turtles see themselves.

87 are wolves that were turned into werewolves accidentally by werewolf Splinter (they attacked him, he's very sorry he bit them, they are not that sorry they have thumbs now).

03 are experiments that were rescued by their (different) Splinter (they were human to begin with but don't remember it, Splinter was a wolf).

12 Splinter was a werewolf hunter who rescued some baby werewolves rather than kill them. They bit him in the process so he's been hiding out with them since. He's raised them to view it as a curse, they're the only ones that lock themselves up at full moon.

Rise are a different kind of experiment, with the blood of Old Ones (Krang) injected into them, making huge semi-humanoid demonic wolves at full moon. They're nice kids! But scary as hell. Lou Jitsu!Splinter is a vampire because Big Mama would be, wouldn't she? He can turn into a wolf as a result! Also a bat, but that's less good for family bonding.

We gave everyone different names, as well, which I'm not going to relate here. But it's important that Aoi is Rise!Leo while the 87 turtles are the ones who kept the original names.

So! 87 Raphael is usually the least angry Raphael - if any of his fans are reading this I need to note that as a pre-emptive apology - but he has a really bad time in Red Sky. So one of the things we were playing with in the werewolf AU was shifting things more towards Red Sky at some point both because it gives 87 werewolf issues (being hunted, feeling resentful) and because it makes 87 the oldest for a fun switch from them being the young, silly ones.

This snippet was me running with that idea, and with the fact that 87!Raphael gets less funny and more bitter under pressure but Rise!Leo just doubles down on the jokes. I'm not really sure I got Raphael's voice here, even at his most aggressive. But the idea of Aoi having his coping mechanism treated as annoying and broken by someone who usually shares it still feels like something.

*

The thing is. The thing is, it’s not really your fault. You’re not used to this, not used to feeling like this, and you’re not even sure if this is the way things have been going lately or the wolf hormones finally hitting. You’ve always been the quickest to yip and nip and tease but roll over as soon as anyone sends a glare your way. Suddenly you’re standing next to Donatello and Leonardo staring down Michelangelo when he starts bouncing along and poking at things.

That’s not the thing though. Making Michelangelo sad isn’t your fault either, but it’s not the thing.

The town’s feeling more hostile lately. You’ve seen enough horror movies to know what a mob looks like even before they grab the torches and pitchforks. It’s pretty certain you’re immune to pitchforks, but you’re not immune to torches, even if you’re not as flammable as Yoshi’s pack. That’s not counting the hunter someone hired who used silver bullets. Silver. Normal bullets bounce off you. These go through you and they burn all the way.

So you’ve always been the one to make a joke but not much seems funny right now. You’re territorial, uncertain, powerful, you’re picking fights with Leonardo, you’re terrified, you want it all to stop.

And Aoi made a dumb joke like everything was normal.

He’s a monster in wolf form. Huge, long limbs to reach for you tipped by tearing claws, with an uncanny ability to fade into the shadows. That didn’t stop you going for his throat like a bullet.

The look on his face, ears folded down, eyes wide and averted, the way he’d thrown himself back from you as if you were the size of Shuiro. Like you’d attacked a puppy.

Then he’d perked his ears up, lolling his tongue out in that weird doggy laugh he affects.

You switched to human form, soft hands and blunt nails. A signal that you weren’t going to fight that didn’t require backing down. “Get out of here, Aoi,” you said. “You’re not as funny as you think you are.”

You think maybe you shouldn’t have said that. You haven’t seen him since. He’s fine, though. If he was actually missing you’d have heard from all three of his brothers. He’s just avoiding you.

Aoi’s not the stupid puppy he acts like. He can handle some hurt feelings.

And anyway, it’s not your fault.

[cinnabarmawar]

My TMNT OC: Hiranur

Full name: Hiranur Omar

Nickname: Excorcist, Hira or Nur

Exits in tmnt iteration: TMNT 03, TMNT 07, and TMNT Monochrome (my own tmnt iteration takes place in tmnt 07 verse but also shares the same event with '12 and 03)

About her in general:

She also lost her parents in the triceraton invasions for both 03 and 07 iteration.

Nur is a drop out from school and works in flower shop and takes babysitting job and mortuary work as a part-time job from time to time.

She was once a temporary gang member. In 03 verse, she was with the turks but quitted a day after due to the ghosts haunting (telling) her to quit during a mission. In 07, she was with the purple dragon but a fail member of the gang and was kicked out when she couldn't pass the test.

Carries a red, sharp scissor as her self defense weapon

Once experienced a hysteria and is recuperating from it

She can see and talk to ghosts in all universe of tmnt that she's in. Through the ghost she learns of the turtle's existence.

Her hijab is sometimes missing(due to the turtles parkour) from the clothes line. Hence the prayer garment(which is an old and worn one) is an option for her to wear when she's following the turtles sometimes

How she first met the turtle boys:

At first she dosen't believe in them because their ghosts and can bother/posess you if you answer them until upon her first encounter with them she had a crisis of their existence but she believed in the ghosts fearfully.

With their guidance, she followed them from afar at night when they patrol the city with the shellraiser and would also toss them some notes telling them to stay away from the abandoned gang warehouses and other haunted areas.

The turtles sometimes catch a glimpse of her and it's mostly in her prayer garment the one on the right(long hijab-like that's all white) and it's mostly Mikey who saw it and get startled by it while blurting out horror tropes when he does.

The turtles meet her in one of the purple dragons abandoned warehouse. Found her unconscious mostly in the same white prayer garment but it stops here.

Her personalities:

Easily frightened due to her six sense but it's also the same for facing mutants and fiesty delinquents but ever since she met the turtles she became a bit braver bit by bit.

Cautious comes from her hysteria experience and her early days when she discovered that she hs 6th sense. Nur either end up makes good or bad decision. She brings a pair scissors all the time as a self defense weapon

Knowledgable on supernatural myths and stuffs, including biology on plants.

Kind but still dosen't hesitate to whack if needed. Whenshe was watching the turtles from afar, one of the old ghosts would tell her to whack their each of their heads in the dark just to confirm that their not demons and she did it even running away before they see her. Mostly she ends up whacking Raph's and Donnie's head most of the time.

Nur and the turtles relationship:

Mikey: Closest along Donnie. Team B's best friend. They freak out about ghost together.

Donnie: Closest along with Mikey. They have lots of conversation.

Raph: She was a bit intimidated by him but once she gots to know his soft side, she warms up to him.

Leo: She was most cautious on him the most until she realise had a crush on him in one unfortunate rescue and she's head over heels. She had a crisis on it but got over it and is choosing the right time to confess to him. She gets shy with him

I have difficulties of summing it up but that's all I got bcs in different universe how they meet and the interactions are slightly different. Could say that it's more to writing for my TMNT iteration. I'm thinking of adding the rise version of her just maybe rewatch of rottmnt for the yokais part.

Anyway, this my tmnt OC Nur so far that I've worked on at least.

[author-artistswap]

Hii me again!

Ask 2/3

Will there be polls on when trade weeks will commence? Like to decide because sometimes people are busy, or have motivation loss or art block/ writers block? I think that’d be a good idea. 

OOH on that note, will you be posting the participants’ trades on your blog that week? Like showing the art they made and short story/thing that was given back or vice versa?

</3

Now you’re “Me Again”? Are we changing our names? Okay then, call me Switch!

I know, I’m very funny

Here’s how my system works. I spin three wheels. One wheel chooses a fandom. The second (specifically for artists) chooses the style. The third, chooses a theme, or what’s going on in the prompt.

For example, say I were to play on your TMNT obsession, and you were an artist. I would give you a prompt, like “18!Leo was captured by Big Mama, in the style of the 03!turtles - for artists” and it would be up to the artist to depict what’s going on. Is Leo beat up? Does he have cell mates? Is Big Mama interrogating him?

That part is up to you, as the creator. A writer would come up with a short blip of a story based off of that art. Like, if Leo were being interrogated by Big Mama, the writer would write a blip of Leo being interrogated. And if they so chose, they could write a rescue scene as well

I hope this answers your question!

[kudosmyhero]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (IDW) #26: City Fall - part 5

Read Date: April 03, 2023 Cover Date: September 2013 ● Writer: Kevin Eastman ◦ Bobby Curnow ◦ Tom Waltz ● Art: Mateus Santolouco ◦ Charles Paul Wilson III (pg 1-2) ● Colorist: Ronda Pattison ● Letterer: ◦ Shawn Lee ● Editor: Bobby Curnow ●

**HERE BE SPOILERS: Skip ahead to the fan art/podcast to avoid spoilers

Reactions As I Read: ● poor Leo is so miserable ● pizza sounds really good right now, ngl ● I hope Woody and Mikey are able to be friends again! ● yay! they’re still pals ● I love the art in these issues

● uh-oh, the Savate are in for it now… ● oo! I just noticed the sound effect written in broken glass! subtle and cool! ● Splinter is so kickass! <3 ● dammit, I wanna read the next issue but I have to get up early for work. shakes fist curse you, adulting! ● 👏👏👏👏👏

Synopsis: Leonardo, dreaming, walks through a forest with his mother Tang Shen, telling her that he feels something isn't right, like he's missing something but he isn't sure what. His mother tells him that she feels she is to blame. Leonardo tells her it's not her fault. Tang Shen tells him that when he finds out what he has lost, he will know who is to blame.

Angel is patrolling her neighborhood when she comes across two thugs robbing a liquor store. She takes out one but the other pulls a gun on her. Luckily, right at that moment Raphael shows up and incapacitates the thug with the gun. Raphael asks why the other Purple Dragons aren't with her; she tells him they're currently going through some organizational issues (see the Hun micro-issue). Angel tells him that even if the other Dragons aren't down to help the Turtles, she'll always have their back.

Woody Dirkins is making a pizza delivery when Michelangelo approaches him, seeking any information about the Foot Clan and Leonardo. Before he answers, Woody apologizes for abandoning Michelangelo, and Michelangelo forgives him. Woody tells him he has heard some murmurings about the Foot and the street war that's coming.

Donatello and April approach a warehouse where Donatello's friend Harold Lilja has set up a new laboratory. Harold initially refuses to let April in as he told Donatello to come alone, but April manages to sweet talk her way in. Donatello tells Harold that his family is having serious trouble with one of their enemies (The Shredder and the Foot), and they could really use a technological advantage. Harold tells them he has been upgrading his anti-gravity gauntlets and light-refraction devices, but none of it has been tested. Harold tells them that if he does let them borrow anything, it's at their own risk.

Two black helicopters approach the Savate's headquarters. Inside, Victor is telling his troops how close they've come to ruling the city, with all of their opponents defeated save one: the Foot Clan. He says they will strike when the Foot least expects it. At that moment, Shredder, Leonardo, and a handful of Foot ninja burst in through the window and attack. Leonardo reports to Karai that they've begun the infiltration and tells her to stand by for his command. Karai says she understands, but then ignores his order and leads Alopex and more Foot ninja in an attack on the ground floor of the building. Upstairs, Victor attempts to flee and Shredder orders Leonardo to pursue him.

Splinter, Old Hob, and Slash stand on a hill overlooking StockGen. Hob explains the favor he needs from Splinter before he'll help him rescue Leonardo: retrieve some mutagen, so Hob can build a mutant army. Splinter tells him his plan is wrong, but reluctantly sets out to get the mutagen. Splinter easily avoids detection on his way to where the mutagen is stored.

Inside the Savate command center, Leonardo confronts Victor. The two battle and Leonardo comes out on top. As he is about to finish him off, Shredder tells him to stay his hand; he has other plans for Victor. Victor pulls out a gun in a last-ditch effort to escape but the Shredder dodges out of the way and cuts off his hand.

Splinter, on his way back out with the mutagen, is stopped by a guard. The guard tells him not to move or he'll shoot. Splinter throws the mutagen container into the air, distracting the guard, giving him time to knock him out, catch the mutagen and make his escape.

Raphael visits Casey in the hospital. He starts to apologize for getting Casey into this mess, but Casey tells him not to blame himself. Casey says they're family, and they always have each other's backs, no matter what. Raphael tells Casey what they've been doing to get information on the Foot and how to get Leonardo back.

Splinter returns to Hob with the mutagen. He tells Hob to be ready when he calls on him, and that he had better honor their arrangement. After Splinter leaves, Hob asks Slash if he finished his task. Slash says yes. Hob pulls out a remote detonator and pushes the button, igniting several bombs placed around the outside of StockGen as they speed off into the night.

In the Savate's headquarters, Shredder tells Leonardo that their last enemy has been defeated, and soon the entire city will be theirs. Karai listens in, and it becomes more apparent that she has been preparing her own plan of action, unbeknownst to Shredder.

(https://turtlepedia.fandom.com/wiki/City_Fall,_part_5)

Fan Art: TMNT by JPRart

Accompanying Podcast: ● Shellheads - episode 46

[microsuedemouse]

I can never decide where I stand on turtle x human ships, but I’ll freely admit that I see why people ship Leo and Karai. I’m mid-‘03 season 5, and Leo’s determination to rescue Karai from the Tengu Shredder definitely does feel very shippable - if they were the same species I’m sure the dynamic would be undeniable.

[plothooksinc]

get to know your fic writer asks: 6, 7, 8, 19? :)

♥

6. Do you have your work beta'd? How important is this to your process?

Extremely. I tend to shop for the right beta per project-- for ROTTMNT stuff (and probably 03 stuff lbr) it's @shadowbends as we share the same fondnesses and have the same horribly enabley little minds. But also when I write, a beta is very important for two things: first, they pick up on every time I use the same word three times in one sentence, can run a vibe check and suggest characterisation/pacing improvements etc. Second, they reassure me that what I have is actually worth publishing. Which...I know for the most part. But scarring memories of thinking something was good as a kid only to be told it was the most "awful thing I've ever heard" when read out mean I'll always want someone to rule out that minor paranoia. |D

7. How do you choose which POV to write from?

It depends on who has the most to say and who has the most ability to observe in a scene! And how they observe it. There's a scene I was writing from Casey's POV in NRFTW where the pacing was really off despite the urgency of what was going on (friend needed rescue elsewhere while murder attempt right here) and I eventually realised it wasn't working because Casey isn't the right person to go 'oh god/panic' about events he was at the start of and mitigated immediately-- so I switched to Splinter, who woke up to a bunch of screaming and went WTF. Instant improvement. (Sometimes, the best POV is someone who does not have all the facts and goes ??? ??? the entire time)

Sometimes POV is a very obvious choice (an entire chapter of Leo going 'injuries suck'. An entire chapter of Donnie and research.) And sometimes, I gotta admit, I go with whoever will be the funniest to hear the thoughts of. |D And for a multi-character fight scene, I tend to flitter between different POV because it helps move the pacing along and keep things frantic.

8. Do you prefer the beginning, middle, or end of a story?

Middle. The beginning is often a lot of pulling teeth, trying to get some kind of interesting introduction chugging along that will engage people until you can get to the meat of the story. The ending is... easier in some ways, hard in others, but also you're finishing up your sparkly project and that's depressing. But the middle is where the meat is, where all those scenes are that you dreamed up and can't wait to inflict on people, and the easiest to write because you don't have to worry about beginnings and ends.

19. What is the most-used tag on your ao3?

This requires research! [hold music plays]

Okay, so keep in mind that I undertag and write tags as I go and I have a lot of unfinished work.

Not including character/relationship tags, the answer is: Blood and Injury! Runner-up: Kidnapping

>_> I swear I haven't written that many kidnappings. Note that I don't deny the blood and injury.

Hurt/comfort came in third. Look, I am a simple woman with simple pleasures. (Also, most of these kidnap victims rescue themselves. It's a whole thing.)

Thank you for this hilarious chance at self-reflection because I really tallied tags and went "oh... huh. That sure is a pattern..."

Get to know your fic writer here!

[turtshell]

i have a few (though likely you've already seen them recommended)

Collector - Flynne (my personal favourite 03 fic!)

When Leonardo is abducted on his way home from babysitting Shadow, his family is left without a clue as to who could have taken him, or where he might be. Tested in body and spirit, chances for Leo's survival look bleak. But the turtles have made friends and allies over the years, and help comes from an unexpected source, giving them the chance to try and rescue their brother before it's too late.

And Call Me in the Morning - slipstream

It’s not like Don is doing this for fun, he reminds himself as the olive-skinned turtle makes up four fresh syringes and starts measuring out doses. He’s his doctor and his brother, he only has Mikey’s best interest at—

He blinks, eyes suddenly fixed on the band of cloth fixed tight to Don’s upper thigh. “Dude, what’s wrong with your leg?”

The Nothing - T33la

Everything is fine for Leo and his brothers. Things are really normal. And then, one day, things are not normal at all. Or, rather, they're normal for everyone else, but Leo knows that, piece by piece, reality is going missing.

-------------------------------------------------

Leo mashed the heels of his hands against his eyes and leaned his head into the old rat’s shoulder. He struggled to control his breath as a wave of fear crashed into him. What was wrong with him? What was happening to him?

Splinter wrapped his arms around Leonardo, holding his son and whispering consoling words. “It will be alright, young one. There is nothing to fear.”

But Leonardo could hear the thread of doubt in his father’s voice.

Promises, Promises - LunaD

There was a stillness in the air, a thick atmosphere of uncertainty choking out any other thoughts other than the singular question plaguing each brother. Where the shell was Don?

When Donatello goes missing, his brothers set out to search for him, unaware that they are racing against the clock for their brother's life.

The Afterward - halogalopaghost

Donnie's family have managed to get a cure for his double-mutation brought on by Bishop's outbreak virus, but he isn't out of the woods yet. The detransformation process is stalling, and now it's all the boys can do to keep Donatello alive long enough to figure out why.

Champion - ceraxxxx

They gotta be here somewhere. They have to be, they wouldn't miss this.

As the final of the Battle Nexus Tournament approaches, Mikey wants nothing more than to see his family in the audience, cheering him on towards what might be the single greatest moment of his life.

So what happens when he realizes that no one's there?

Based on the 'Big Brawl'-arc.

Underdark - Nekotsuki

(i almost hesitate to add this because i think it's on every rec list and everyone has read it but just in case-)

He’s hanging upside down in the middle of the great underdark, weighed down by a half hysterical turtle in the middle of a bunch of pipes and water and rock that are conspiring to kill us both off, and Leo still manages to sound like he Has A Plan.

I'm looking for some really good Hurt/Comfort, maybe a little angst, TMNT 2003 stories! Does anyone have suggestions for me?

(Any tcest suggestions can and will be ignored)