#and in the world of the kraang apocalypse no one can imagine a future where cass goes down and raph isn't immediately behind her

[turtlevariabilis]

When Time Looks Back

A ROTTMNT ANGST FANFIC [COMPLETE].

🔁 Go to first part

3.

Morning chaos reigned in the kitchen. A toaster was smoking uncontrollably, cereal had spilled all over the counter, and Mikey was trying—unsuccessfully—to heat up leftover pizza in the microwave.

“Why won’t this thing heat up?!” Mikey shouted, frustrated.

Leo, still half-asleep and wearing a sarcastic smile, replied,

“Maybe because the container is closed, pizza lunatic.”

Raph huffed, unplugging the toaster with a tired gesture.

“Can you guys stop wrecking the kitchen every damn morning?”

Casey walked in, already dressed and combed, raising an eyebrow at the scene.

“Where’s Donnie?”

“Sleeping?” Raph shrugged. “He always gets up late.”

Mikey, with his head inside the microwave, added,

“He said he had something to work on for S.H.E.L.L.D.O.N., right?”

“He’s in night scientist mode again. Classic D,” Leo commented.

Casey frowned, uneasy.

“But he went to bed early last night. He told me he needed sleep.”

Raph paused mid-sip from his juice. Leo crossed his arms, and Mikey pulled his head out of the microwave.

“So?” Raph said. “Maybe he just really needed to catch up on sleep.”

“Yeah, but… he looks bad. Thinner. Low energy. He hasn’t worn his battle shell. He says it doesn’t fit, but…”

“He modifies it himself,” Leo cut in. “If that were the only issue, he’d have fixed it already.”

Mikey’s voice dropped.

“Yesterday he didn’t even give me that weird threatening glare. He just walked past me.”

“Exactly,” Casey confirmed. “It’s subtle… but something’s off.”

A moment of silence passed as they looked at each other, hesitant.

Raph quickly changed the subject.

“Well, if he doesn’t come down soon, I’m eating his share.”

Casey, pretending to be casual, suddenly said,

“Hey… do you guys want me to tell you what you were like… in my future?”

Leo raised an eyebrow.

“Suddenly you’re okay with spoilers?”

Mikey lit up.

“I need to know everything! I want to hear how powerful my mystic powers get!”

Casey gave a tired smile.

“I feel like… there are things you should know.”

“Alright, alright, let’s hear it,” Raph said.

“It’s just… hard,” Casey began. “Living in this world… with you guys, but not really you.”

The silence turned heavy.

Leo lowered his voice.

“Only if you want to share, Casey.”

Casey nodded, but his gaze drifted toward the hallway. Donnie should’ve come down by now, but he hadn’t.

“But I need all of you here.”

The four brothers and Casey had gathered in a circle in the common room, some sitting on scattered cushions, others on the worn-out couch. Leftover breakfast lay piled to the side, a silent witness to the chaotic morning.

Casey looked down for a moment, took a deep breath, and began to speak—his voice steady, but carrying weight.

“I spent my whole life in a devastated world. An apocalypse… caused by the Kraang. The truth is… I never met Master Splinter.”

Leo leaned forward, curious.

“Never?”

Casey gave a faint smile.

“No. But everyone talked about him. A lot. And with love. I think he died peacefully—maybe from age. They say he was… a great father. Meeting him now, I don’t doubt it. Even if he’s more chaotic than I imagined…”

The brothers exchanged looks. A mix of surprise and tenderness spread across their faces. Mikey lowered his head, thoughtful.

Casey continued.

“Aunt April—I mean, April—she led the resistance. She wasn’t just strong, she was determined, brave… but she also knew when to stop. When to listen. We won a lot of battles thanks to her. I admired her so much.”

Raph gave a half-smile.

“That sounds like April.”

Mikey, amused, asked excitedly,

“Super April! Did she have a cape or something?”

Casey chuckled softly.

“No… but she didn’t need one. Just looking at her, you knew you were gonna survive that day.”

A brief silence followed. Leo’s jaw was tight.

“But let’s talk about you four,” Casey said in a lower tone. “I already told you, Leo, everyone died in my time. Right before I came through the portal… I saw you die.”

The silence dropped like a weight. No one moved.

“You were my sensei. Forty years old, had this oversized mechanical arm, and the worst temper in the world when you lost a fight… But you were determined. You never missed a battle. Opening the portal—changing the past—that was your idea. And you died fighting. I’ll never forget your final moves. You spoke to me about hope.”

Leo said nothing. He stared at the ground, swallowing hard. Raph gave him a light nudge on the shoulder.

Casey shifted tone, trying to ease the mood.

“Mikey…”

Mikey straightened up.

“What!? Did I turn evil?? Or huge?? Did I have wings??”

Casey laughed warmly.

“Well, now that you ask… you grew hair and could fly, something like that.”

“WHAT?!” Mikey shouted.

Leo glanced at him.

“No wonder it was the end of the world.”

Casey smiled, then grew serious.

“As I already told you, you were the most powerful mystic being on Earth. You opened the portal that brought me here… and went with it. You knew it would take you. You were so brave. You didn’t hesitate.”

Mikey stayed quiet, staring at the scars on his arms—part thrilled, part scared.

Raph looked at Casey, curious.

“What about me?”

Casey lowered his gaze. His voice softened.

“You died a week before. In an ambush. You protected Leo… and it worked. But it cost you your life. It hit everyone hard. In that same battle, Leo lost his arm… but adapted the prosthetic you used.”

Raph clenched his fists, trying to hide his emotion. Leo stared at him, a bit stunned, and Mikey discreetly wiped his eyes with his wristband.

Donnie, trying to shift the mood, raised his voice a little.

“My turn! Where was my future self? What kind of ultra-cool gadgets did I have?”

Casey didn’t answer right away. His smile vanished. His posture stiffened.

“You… had already been dead for fifteen years.”

Silence.

Mikey whispered, almost in disbelief,

“Fifteen…?”

Raph asked, stunned,

“Wait, we lived fifteen years without Donnie?”

Casey looked at him seriously.

“Yeah. I didn’t know him well. I was little when it happened. But no one ever forgot him.”

Donnie tried to brush it off.

“Well, I guess… I went out in a big explosion or something epic, right? Surrounded by enemies, dropping a witty one-liner.”

Casey paused.

“Actually… no. You died from a Kraang infection.”

Everyone tensed. Donnie frowned.

“It’s a rare infection,” Casey explained. “Almost everyone’s immune. But you weren’t. One of the times you were exposed to the Kraang, it got into you. Of course you searched for a cure. No luck. And you kept it secret until it was obvious how sick you were.”

Mikey murmured softly,

“That sounds like you.”

“You didn’t want us to worry,” Casey went on. “You acted like everything was fine. Delegated tasks. Gave orders. And one day… you just weren’t there anymore.”

The four brothers were visibly shaken just imagining it.

Leo broke the tension, voice low and uneasy.

“Are you telling us this because…?”

Casey looked straight at Donnie.

“Because I’m afraid it’s happening again.”

All eyes turned to Donnie.

Raph asked, alarmed,

“You… you’re infected?”

Donnie reacted fast.

“No! Of course not. I’m just tired, yeah, but that’s normal. I’ve been sleeping badly for a few days, that’s all.”

Mikey frowned, worried.

“You slept a lot last night.”

Leo added,

“And you’re still exhausted.”

Donnie, uncomfortable, stood up.

“You’re overreacting. I’ll run a check-up if it makes you feel better, but I swear—”

Casey cut him off, firm.

“Donnie. Please.”

Donnie froze. Looked around. They all wore the same expression—concern.

After a long pause, Donnie lowered his voice.

“Alright. I’ll do the check-up.”

⬅️ 2 | 4 ➡️

🔁 Go to first part

Inspired by some of the ideas from the fan comic Cass Apocalyptic.

[mrabubu]

Привет! Поскольку я теперь знаю что ты русская фанатка rottmnt думаю могу писать на русском. Связи с твоими последними постами в твоём телеграмма желаю тебе поскорее выздороветь! И надеюсь что сейчас у тебя все хорошо.😚

Также у меня вопрос, думала ли ты какой может быть взрослая Темми? Мне кажется что независимо от времени линии плохой или хорошей она все равно будет похожа на отца! И поскольку на мои хедканон на ментальную связь Ани и Темми ты писала что возможно сделаешь канонам мы имеем потенциал на хорошое такое стекло! Например если мы следует по канону фильма в моменте когда Кейси отправляют в прошлое Темми рядом нет и Аня используя их ментальную связь хочет найти её но...она не чувствует её...это значит только одно её с Лео дочь больше не жива.

Также ты как-то писала в телеграмме об идеи перерождение Темми в хорошей временной линии. Это открывает нам возможность получить ещё больше стекла, ведь скорее всего у неё будут кошмары о её смерти, апокалпсе и вообще, ей надо будет учиться жить по новому, в спокойне время в теле ребёнка!

Я не уверенна есть ли в этом необходимость но поскольку в Тамблере в основном англоязычные подписчики для них я сделаю английскую версию моего вопроса.

I also have a question, have you thought about what an adult Temi might be like? It seems to me that regardless of the timeline, good or bad, she will still look like her father! And since you wrote about my headcanon for Anya and Temi's mental connection that you might make it canon, we have the potential for a good angts! For example, if we follow the canon of the film, at the moment when Casey is sent to the past, Temi is not around and Anya, using their mental connection, wants to find her, but... she does not feel her... this means only one thing: her daughter with Leo is no longer alive.

Also, you once wrote in a telegram about the idea of Temi being reborn in a good timeline. This opens up the possibility for us to get even more angts, because most likely she will have nightmares about her death, the apocalypse, and in general, she will need to learn to live in a new way, in a calm time in the body of a child!

Пардон за поздний ответ. Сейчас я уже в норме хд

Надеюсь ничего если я отвечу на английском...

About grown up Temi... I kinda thought about this, but also it feels toe like I can only imagine her as a baby. But, yes, her personality will at least partly similar to Leo's. I think she would've adopted his love for jokes and cheerfulness.

About the bad future, I thought that, yes, Temi died before Ana and Leo, but no one saw how. I imagined she was about 15-16, and she volunteered for a mission or when the Kraang found the resistance base. And there could be kind of a parallel with the movie, when Leo sacrificed himself. I imagine a scene where Temi would try to calm her parents, and at that moment the connection got cut off.

And about Temi's reincarnation I'm also not sure... It kinda makes sense she could have nightmares of just dreams abou her life in a bad timeline, but since Leo was the one to ask Mikey to somehow make sure if the resistance fail, Temi's soul would be reborn in a better world, I think Leo would also want Temi to just live her new life in peace without those memories.

[whatup345]

Au where Present!Leo dies during the events of the movie, but Future!Leo still gets sent back in time-

Hear me out. THE ANGST. The bros seeing Future Leo and thinking it's some kind of dream or trick. The bitter realization that this version of Leo somehow survived the apocalypse, while THEIR Leo didn't have the same luck. The struggle of trying to deal with Future Leo, figuring out how he got there and finding a place for him to stay, all while the bros can barely even LOOK at him without crying, because he's just so much like the brother they just lost. The irrational anger towards Future Leo, knowing that someone bent time to keep him alive, while Present Leo couldn't even escape the Prison Dimension. Then, the misery of having to live near him, unable to force him out because no matter how much it makes everyone upset to see him, he's still a version of Leo. He has the same quirks, the same little behaviors, constantly reminding everyone of Present Leo. Just as the brothers think that they're used to living with him, he'll offhandedly make a pun along the lines of something THEIR Leo once said, and suddenly everyone in the room is reminded of exactly what they lost. He's more than similar enough to constantly remind them of Present Leo, similar enough that the brothers can't fully distance themselves from him, but different enough that he can never come close to taking Leo's place. A walking, talking reminder of the brother they could have had.

And that's just from the brothers' perspective. Now imagine Future!Leo, getting sent back in time to a world where he is safe for the first time in decades, a world where he can see his brothers- except none of them can even look him in the eyes. His first few weeks in the new future, he is tossed into mourning for a different version of himself. His newly revived family is miserable, and only more so whenever he even gets close to them. He finds himself alone in the lair, not wanting to bother his family, trying to process his own feelings about Leo's death and what that means about him as a person, his feelings towards the Invasion which happened just a couple of weeks ago in this weird new timeline. Eventually things calm down, but Future Leo doesn't feel any better. His brothers start talking to him again, but it's awkward and oddly cold, nothing like the comfort he would have wanted from seeing them again. They start to slowly move on from what happened to Present Leo, but Future Leo can't move on, because individual trait he kept throughout the Kraang Invasion is now permanently attached to the memory of someone who's dead. He tries to goof around, he tries to comfort his family, but each thing he says only reminds them of their Leo, only pushes them further away from him. He is the ghost of someone they used to love, changed and warped by the trauma he went through, so close to all of them, but unable to embrace them like he used to do so easily. It's so difficult on both sides- Leo has changed, and now he's returned different, in some sick cosmic joke where no one is laughing.

[its-captain-sir]

literally I think sooooooo much about Cassandra making Leo the godfather of Casey

[tmntxthings]

So I’ve been seeing a bunch of Future Leo fics where he goes back in time floating around and it got me thinking

Imagine being Leo’s s/o in the future only to die like protecting him or something and then when he gets sent back and sees his s/o’s younger self?? The angst material here!!? Especially if they aren’t dating yet and get together during the Kraang apocalypse. And then when Young Leonardo is being stupid he pulls him aside and grabs his shoulders and is like

“Cherish them! Fucking cherish them!!” As he like sobs or something idk.

This idea just popped into my head. Feel free to add on or just react to this

一∑ blast from the past。・゜・

my reaction? OUCH- my freaking heart anon, you just stomped on it, did a little jig on it, DAMN 😏 you’re good

author’s notes: idk just adding a little something something to this angsty bit^ also imagine future!leo like being unable to stop himself from pursuing 👀 like the implications… the jealousy.. the age gap? 💀 JUST A THOUGHT OKAY???

warnings: angst, cursing, more angst, flashbacks, mentions of death and unedited asf

—————————————————————————

About a month had gone by since Leo had dropped out of the sky back in time. During that time, he had explained himself as best he could. It was surprising how easily they accepted the concept of time travel but Leo guessed they had experienced weirder things! Luckily he had traveled back a day before his younger self royally fucked up! That gave Leo time to explain the kraang with the help of dad, and formulate a foolproof plan. They had made sure to save the world without any casualties. The Kraang didn’t even get the chance to exit the prison dimension. He had saved the world. He had saved their world. Maybe that could make up for the wrongs he had committed in his own timeline. It didn’t feel like it, but Leo felt at least a little bit of hope knowing that none of his brothers would be dying because of his mistake this time around.

After that some things had to be settled. The main thing was what would he do now? A 40-something turtle in a timeline that wasn’t his own. He didn’t belong, despite this being his home. So when the dilemma came up about what to do with the key. Leo readily offered up himself. He had plenty of reasons. 1. He had lived his life already, he didn’t mind living on the run, away from New York, away from the Foot Clan. 2. He was older, he wouldn’t make the same mistakes twice. 3. Who else would do it? It wasn’t like it could be destroyed and it also couldn’t stay in the lair or anywhere else that the Hamato Clan held dear.

So yeah, he would take the key. And he would go on what he liked to call around the youngins ‘a vacation.’ He made it sound so grand. He would go travel the world. The first mutant turtle world traveler! To Tahiti and beyond. Plus it wasn’t like they couldn’t call him, FaceTime him. It would be like he had never left! At least that’s what he told the teenagers. For the most part Leo thought he had convinced them. And he had convinced himself too.. until he saw you.

He rarely left the lair, now more than ever since he was leaving in a couple of days. He couldn’t continue to risk everyone’s safety by staying for too much longer. For having the key there in one place for so long. But he had wanted to spend as much time with the boys as possible, so when they offered for him to join in patrol, “Ya know only if your old bones can handle it~” Leon shot back. “What he means to say is—“ Raph started to say, giving his little blue brother an annoyed side eye. “Sure sure, we’ll see who’s trailing behind on the rooftops,” Leo said with a smirk.

The competitive glint shone not only in Leon’s eyes but everyone’s. Good! Leo thought to himself and kept his word. He had a massive lead, the youngins still had a lot to learn. Which made the inevitable departure that much harder. He skidded to a stop on a low-rise building. He peered behind his shoulder, smiling at the group who were now racing amongst themselves for second place. He chuckled to himself as he turned back to the street in front of him. Leaning over the edge to see the sidewalk and it was like someone had physically punched him. Straight in the gut. He wobbled backwards, blinking rapidly before moving forward once more. It couldn’t be! What were the chances?!

Yet there you were, headphones on, none the wiser of the ninja watching you from above. Trailing you as you continued on your merry way. Yes it was just like you, with music involved to be doing a little dance in the middle of walking. His breath caught in his throat. You were here. You were alive. It brought him back to his time, when he had lost you. The pain in his chest from the memory alone had his good hand going up to his upper-plastron. “What’re we looking at,” Leon murmured. It came as no surprise that he would get second place. What was a surprise was how serious he sounded. Leo made sure to school his features, to give nothing away. You didn’t need to get involved… maybe in this timeline you would never have to worry about mutants and villains.

Maybe you could have a normal life and continue doing your little happy dances down the New York City sidewalks. “Nothing, just had a flashback.” Leo decided a half truth would allow you to escape his younger versions curiosity. “Wait a minute! That’s Y/n!! Hold on Peepaw,” and before Leo could stop him, Leon was portaling down in front of your path. He had already met you in this timeline?? His gut wrenched as he pictured your lifeless face. A kraang standing tall, over your body and raining down a harsh red glow. Leo watched as his younger self became animated, talking cheerfully and pointing up to the rooftop. Leo immediately stepped back, the boys taking his place and waving down at you.

Raph looked back giving him a questionable look. Leo just shook his head. He didn’t think he could face you. It was a miracle in itself that he came across your path to begin with. “You guys done saving the world yet? Can I come hang soon??” You hollered and Leo flinched. Sure it was dark, and sure not many were out, but attention shouldn’t be drawn to them. Mikey readily hollered back, “Soooooon! In like a couple of da—“

Donnie smacked a robo hand over his orange brother’s mouth. Donnie pressed his wrist and it lit up. “Not yet! I’ll text you.” He spoke into the voice channel. Leo assumed that was to keep the yelling to a minimum since Leon was next to you and could listen in to the comms. Leo couldn’t see what happened next but he felt nauseous. Like he had just ran a marathon, eaten too quickly, and went on a rollercoaster all at once. Leon portaled back up and Leo presumed you had left. Until you also came through the portal. He seized up all over again. If only for a second before realizing he was an adult and had to act like one. Maybe you wouldn’t notice him on the far side of—

“Yeah see, I told you ! He’s me, just from a different future!” Leon said smugly as he motioned his arm towards his future self. “Oh wow you weren’t kidding!” Your mouth dropped open in sheer shock. You were so close now. And so much younger, he had met you during the apocalypse in his lifetime. He drank in your features. They were softer, you weren’t battle worn, the light was still glowing in your eyes. Music played lowly from your headphones that rested on your collar. “Yeah he doesn’t talk much..” Leon coughed. Leo cleared his throat with frustration, such a little shit. “Hi,” he said lamely.

“Hi!” You smiled back, and took liberty to close the gap. “So I’m guessing you were a big help in saving the world huh?” Leo gulped. Was that a trick question? “Well.. yeah I guess,” it would be too time-consuming to say he had to learn the hard way first. Yeah, actually I destroyed my world, and being the last survivor fate must’ve felt like second-chances were a thing and dumped me here to fix what I had royally screwed. You wouldn’t understand, and from the innocent gaze in your eyes he wanted to keep it that way. You didn’t need to know the truth. It would only dull that spark. “Thank you! For coming back and saving our butts then,” you winked as if this was a little inside joke. Leo couldn’t help but crack a soft smile, one that must’ve gave himself away because in his peripheral he saw someone stiffen. A lot of someones. He could only nod after that, any verbal response completely leaving him as he looked down to his feet. To your feet. He had missed you. It was hard not to just reach out. To hug you. But it was enough to know you were here in this world, alive and happy from what he could tell.

“Rightttt well, let’s portal ya back down huh?”

“Oh wait, look Donnie! Know this one??”

“Indignant scoff! What am I listening to??”

“Lemme listen! C’mon lemme listen!!”

“Guys we gotta get going!”

Leo’s gaze had lifted to see the exchange. Watched as Mikey bounced around with grabby hands for the headphones. Only for Leon to make a well-timed portal once Donnie had chucked them off of his head. “Heyyyyy!” Mikey cried out as Leon placed the headphones on his own head. “Don you’re crazy this is a vibe!” His younger self said as his head bobbed. “I disagree!” Donnie replied promptly. Mikey was turning feral as he lunged for the headphones once more, complaining that it was his turn. Raph caught him mid-air, and Mikey struggled to be released. “Don’t worry Mike I’ll send you the song asap!” You shot him a thumbs up and that was the only thing that seemed to subdue him. Raph still held on for good measure. Leo kept the headphones on as he made a grand gesture for you to go first into the portal behind you. “See you guys later!” You waved before disappearing into the blue circle.

So you had known them for a good while, Leo deduced. He didn’t know how to feel. His initial reaction was to act like you hadn’t existed. Pretend like he had never known you, for your safety. But maybe that had been selfish of him… you were always a joy to be around. Even during the darkest times. It was what had drawn him to you from the beginning. When he couldn’t be the ‘leader’ anymore, when he couldn’t put on the bravado and be the fearless warrior. You had picked up his slack. You had been his lighthouse during an eternal night. The patrol went smoothly from there. Though Leo knew he was distracted. He wasn’t called out about it until they reached the lair again. “So what was that about?” Leon asked.

Ahh fuck. He really didn’t want to explain himself. Not to himself! It would just mess things up further. The less Leon knew, the better. So he did what he thought was best. Brush it off. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Classic Leo, classic. “Mhmm no, that’s not happening. What was that look??” Leon continued to badger. And one by one Donnie peeled off, Raph dipped, and Mikey slipped away. Until it was just the two in blue in the common area. “What look???” Leo continued to feign ignorance. Leon crossed his arms, “You know them don’t you? Why were you trying to act like—“

“Can you just drop it?” Leo gritted out as his good hand flexed at his side. “No.” Leon stated plainly. Each looking at one another with a level stare. “Yeah sure I knew them! Alright??” Leo exasperated as he turned to leave. To go to his own room. To escape from any further interrogation. So much for being an adult! “Hey! We ain’t done here, how did you know them?? Why did you look so.. so sad?” His former self sure was incessantly annoying. “Leon just leave it.” He warned for a second time. But no, that was never his style. He had to keep pushing and pushing until someone finally caved. Until the limit was long past breached and crossed and stomped on. “What? Did you like them??”

Leo stopped his escape. He froze in place. The only reason being the way Leon said it. Haughtily. Like such a thing was infeasible. Unbelievable. Laughable. He felt his eyes turn icy as his head whipped back and he couldn’t stop himself as his body moved. Leaning forward and getting into Leon’s space. “Fuck you. You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. So I suggest you stop talking altogether.” His tone was deathly low. Leo hadn’t just liked you. That word didn’t even scrape the surface. “They deserved better.” He spat. That was more towards himself but it felt good to see Leon flinch. To stop fucking around for once. If it wasn’t for him— for me— Leo’s face crumpled.

“You need to cherish them. All of them. Dad, Raph, Donnie, Mikey, April! And especially.. them.” Leo swallowed thickly, “Because you never know what will happen. Got it?” He cocked his head, maintaining that hard stare on his younger self. He watched as Leon nodded. Hands clasped tightly into fists. Like he wanted to punch. Like he wanted to fight. Whatever. Leo had to make sure that at least this piece of advice got through that thick skull of his. “Good,” now fuck off you little shit. The rest went left unsaid but Leo was tired and knew it wasn’t completely healthy to berate a teenager. Even if it was himself. Ugh, such a mess.

.

.

.

.

[toothlesshat]

I'm curious about what your character analysis for Future Leo would be considering how little we got to see of him. Although, we can clearly see more in the scrapped opening and in Casey's mannerisms and design too

So, with the very short time we spend with Future Leo, the things Casey says about him, and what we know about Series/Present Leo, I think we can safely say that Future Leo is a fucking mess! In short, Leonardo is a forcefully matured, self sacrificial, self loathing person trying his hardest to make up for a mistake he made as a teenager, but he keeps all of this hidden under the same nonchalant facade that gets easier to see through every single day.

This Leo is, by all means, a drastically different version than the Leo we know solely because he's a thousand times more traumatized. He's a lot like Raph in the sense that both of them had to mature fast to protect what's important to them (for Raph, it's his family. For Leo, it's the entire world). Leo growing up to become the leader of their resistance and the world's greatest ninja is his way of trying to right his wrongs and bring hope back to people. I honestly think Leo wanted to give himself up to the Kraang long ago and die heroically, but people followed him, they looked up to him, so his sacrifice isn't to die but to save the world he doomed. He still tries to make people laugh and keep their spirits up because that's what he did best, but we know his mind is more focused than its ever been before.

I think we can put the pieces together with Future Leo, honestly. He's willing to die and make hard calls if it means the world will be saved. He blames himself for what happened but knows that blame isn't going to fix anything, so he tries to inspire hope instead.

So real quick, I want to focus on him and Casey, because I think Casey is one of the core parts of his character.

I feel like Leo is a lot like Splinter in the sense that most of his life happened by accident, especially becoming a child's guardian. Honestly, I imagine Leo took on Casey out of guilt for the invasion (sorry to keep mentioning it but, yk..). If anyone remembers the Bullhop episode, Leo is a very remorseful person who's incredibly insistent on making up for when he wrong someone (he's good at apologies, remember?). So, we don't know how Cassandra ended up with Casey, but either way, I can see it being a situation where Leo looks down on this baby and thinks that it's his fault he has to live in the apocalypse. It's his fault Casey will have to fight for his life every day, it's his fault Casey will never have a normal life. So in an attempt to amend that, he takes Casey on as his student, basically raising him and doing everything in his power to protect him.

I know what the scrapped opening says, but the final version of it tells me that Leo was always going to send Casey through. He always wanted Casey to have a better life because it's not about him. He doesn't care what becomes of him, but he cares deeply about what happens to Casey, and wants him to survive more than anything. Maybe this is too headcanon-y, but I think it works with his character as well as anything.

In the end, I think Future Leo died satisfied to know he gave Casey his best chance at life, but he ultimately had a hard and miserable life.

[hellishgayliath]

Okay a lot of it ties from the movie. I'll try to word this at best as i can manage(writing is not my forte compared to imagery).

I imagine Casey,having growing up in the apocalypse his whole entire life and now living in a non apocalyptic world, has trouble settling into an adjustment kind of period.

He probably has had to sleep on edge with one eye open or in turns/patrols in case of any incidents happening so he might be bit of a light sleeper, maybe put off by any loud sudden noises. He probably has trouble sharing food cuz maybe he's had to ration his own since food was scarce to come by in the future. He might be put off by certain seemingly harmless things that remind him of the kraang invasion like maybe dogs, zombie movies, certain shades of pinks, heck maybe even octopi.

Having to go from a fight to survive life to a tranquil one all in a span of a day does not seem like an easy thing to just get accustomed to. His mind and reflexes are still gonna be on fight or flight mode, even if he knows he's more safe now.

AND APRIL

Girl almost freakin died, was face to face with an extremely murderous alien set on offing her, almost lost her lil brothers and father like figure. Probably thinking about her parents, wondering if she'll ever get to see them again.

And what if she feels guilty about coming up with the plan to trap the kraang since she almost lost leo in the process? I've only seen one fanfic where it brought up this inner turmoil with her and y'know what, they're so right. She's usually the level head big sister figure but even she was doubting her decision making skills wondering if it would lead to another poor choice that would cost her her family. My girl is not okay after these events and needs a hot cuppa of chocolate, a nice cozy blanket and a stress free sleepover with the fam.

thinking of casey jr and slight april angst but brain doesn't know how to put it into coherent sentences