#the only thing saving the little leos from cat fighting right here is that imbi can't touch anyone

[dandylovesturtles]

Leo had heard that he lost an arm in the future from Casey. He hadn't wanted to hear much about it.

Really, he hadn't wanted to hear much of anything about his future self - this Master Leonardo. The man who liberated Krang work camps and saved whole families singlehandedly and lead the last of civilization through its darkest days. The man who saw two of his brothers die and then asked for the sacrifice of a third. What kind of man was that? One Leo could never hope to measure up to. One he wasn't sure he wanted to see.

When he let himself think about it too much, he conjured up all kinds of terrible visions - a Master Leonardo who was battle hardened and tough as nails, who moved his soldiers around the field like pawns on a chessboard. A Master Leonardo who still saw his old failures and was disgusted by them. A Master Leonardo who would find him incredibly lacking, who would wonder if the split off future was in good hands after all.

And then he walked in to meet their next opponents.

And he was

big

strong

missing an arm

and

kind.

Kind enough to reach out to a Leo he could not even see and try to shake his hand. Kind enough to care for another younger Leo, one who had also lost an arm. It radiated out from him, and Leo saw a Master Leonardo who had pushed through the apocalypse not through battle worn wariness or by locking himself off from the world but through love, an immense love that could never be depleted.

And if that Leo could go through all the horrors he saw and come out the other end with nothing but kindness and strength and love to give

then maybe this Leo could, too.

...

you didn't think my silly joke reblog was going to be it did you

I feel so honored to have come to know Ell through this fandom. They are one of the sweetest and funniest people I have ever gotten to know, and they're a joy to interact with. Ell, I hope you know I treasure our friendship and I've really loved getting to know you more all this time!

Writing IMBI has really been quite the experience for me; besides being the longest thing I've ever written, it's gotten so much success, and Ell's fanart was a big part of what launched my fic's popularity. I'm so happy that I was able to return the favor even a little by helping encourage 2 Arms Left, one of my favorite series of ROTTMNT fan content/fan content of anything ever!

If you aren't familiar with 2 Arms Left go read it, go read it now. It's so good and Ell has put so much thought into it. It's a labor of love!

Like Ell I won't encourage you to vote one way or the other; follow your heart, give your vote where you think it's deserved, etc etc.

(But you know if you guys tied us I wouldn't complain about that. xoxo)

Anyway thanks again Ell for everything so far and here's to more fun in the future!!!

Two Arms Left - intotheelliwoods @intotheelliwoods

I May Be Invisible But I Still Look Good - dandylovesturtles @dandylovesturtles