Before You Go | Future Leo X GN!Reader (Part II)

Before You Go | Future Leo X GN!Reader (Part II)

A/N: Constuctive criticism is appreciated.

Summary: You’re both adopting-parents of Casey. Leonardo was all exhausted from handling a flustered Casey.

Reader: Gender-neutral pronouns are used. Second POV.

Pairing: Rise! Future! Leonardo X Reader

Warning(s): None.

Word Count: ~1140

Parts: One / Two / Three / Four / Five / ...

~

"Argh.." 

Leonardo heaved when the baby in his arms continued to cry. The headaches from his last time dealing with Casey returned. "Come on now, tell me what is it.."

He gave him what he could offer: the attempt to feed the boy, pat his back to release any gas, and even spin him around for trial-and-error’s sake. Yet for a long while, Leo hadn’t been able to stop those tears.

And already were there other worries in mind.

He muttered, "Don't you embarrass me in front of (Name).. or anyone else for that matter.." 

Out of nowhere, Casey cried much louder and thrashed around in Leo’s arms. His eyes widened upon the commotion. The turtle hushed. “Hey hey! Calm down a bit.. Everything’s alright."

God, how hypocritical.

He had dark circles underneath his eyes, half-lidded from lack of sleep and much worry. He dragged his palm across his face and muttered, "God, what was the song they sang to those kids..?"

Leo promised you this time, he would take care of the baby, while you would be busy gathering food and patrolling. It was practically switching shifts, but you seemed a bit too excited about it. The problem? Well.. he understood why and realized he'd probably have an easier time dealing with kids much older than two years old.

"If you're not hungry, or lonely, or—." He grimaced and groaned. "Ohh man.. don't tell me it's about the diaper—."

"I changed it when you went to take a quick breather outside," you spoke.

Leo jumped. Tired eyes widening again. “(Name)! What are you— you shouldn’t be back so soon. I had....” He yawned. “I had everything under control.”

You raised an eyebrow.

He was exhausted. It was obvious. 

Even then, you played along. He was the one who suggested for you to take that day out after all. He wanted to spend time with Casey too. And you wouldn’t dare discourage Leo like that.

“I know, I know. Sometimes, it doesn’t hurt for the either of us to check in though.” You gave him a peck. “Besides, you haven’t gotten enough sleep lately.”

He grunted. “I’m fine. A little less sleep’s not gonna kill me.”

“It tells me something when you chose to leave Casey in Donnie’s hands while you were away for a second.”

“Y-You were here when that happened too?”

Leonardo cleared his throat. "No, no. Everything's under control, (Name)," he proclaimed, lying through his teeth. "Casey and I are doing just fine..!" 

Unfortunately, the baby's teary expression said the complete opposite.

"You're having trouble with him, aren't you?"

He scoffed. "Am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Did you get the sack of potatoes from Todd?"

"Yeah." You deadpanned. "I did. They’re gonna get sick of eating them, but we don’t have much of an option— don't go changing the subject on me! Leo, you look dead! You didn’t even get some rest before taking on Casey!”

Leo huffed. “Why are you making him sound like some video game boss?”

“Let’s get you some sleep.” You tugged him towards a small dugout. It was supposed to be your bedroom, but seeing how much had collasped in this underground base from battles, it wasn’t nice nor clean.

“No, I can’t sleep.. I can’t—.”

You took the baby from his arms, and while he was confused, shoved him onto a shaped pile of dirt called a bed. Face on the “mattress” and a long sigh out.

Leo gave in.

“Okay.. okay. You win, (Name).”

“Good, you can stay here for an hour and I’ll—.” You yelped when his arms wrapped around you and yanked you back onto the bed with him. “Leo!” Casey started to giggle.

The turtle froze.

“Agh! So all this time he was crying for no reason?!”

“I told you before that babies can be dramatic!”

“I didn’t think he’d be dramatic enough to cry,” Leo scoffed. “He was loud at that too.” His arms went to cover his eyes, facing the ceiling.

“The experience was much different than you realize, huh?” you murmured, laying your head next to his. Casey still in your arms, biting on them.

“..I thought I could do it.”

“Hm? But you were already doing it. You kept track of feeding him, releasing his gas, playing with him.. You considered changing his diaper too.. They’re all exactly what you needed to do for him.”

“But you took care of it in the end, as always.”

“..Took care of what?”

“He was crying just now, (Name). Don’t try to pretend like it didn’t happen.. I know I’m not the best father-figure to him.”

“Seriously?” you chuckled. “That was you too. He didn’t stop having that upset look on his face until you pulled me down. He.. probably enjoys surprises.”

“..Huh.. now you mentioned it..”

You sat up, turning your face to Leo. Your hand trailed along his jawline.

“Where’s the overconfident guy I know and love?” you hummed. “It’s not like you to put yourself down like that. You trying your best makes you the best father to Casey.”

Leo’s eyes gazed up at you.

“You’ve helped me a lot by covering a turn for him.”

“(Name), please. Whenever it’s my turn, things always get messy.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me, Leon.”

“..What?”

“You never noticed your pattern of taking Casey out of my hands before you get some rest? We do these switches after your patrol too.”

His mind clicked.

“..Ohh.”

You scoffed. “Yeah. You always look dead when I come back from my trip outside.” 

.

.

.

You stared at his lying form. Your fingers creeped underneath his head to signal him, and Leo adjusted. His head resting on your thighs.

“Leo,” you whispered. “Do you love me?”

Breath hitched. “When have I not?” he responded in a groggy voice. “..Why do you ask?”

“Do you love Casey?”

Said-boy babbled upon hearing some familiar syllables. He gave a soft kick on Leo’s arm, while playing with your fingers.

“...Even though he’s kind of exhausting, I’d give the world to the little guy.” He smiled, remembering the small moments when Casey would crawl over to his large feet and hand him a dead bird. “..Why?”

“Because you can’t help the both of us if you can’t help yourself.”

Hand trailing Leo’s jawline again. You spoke softly, “I don’t want you to kill yourself. Losing sleep is only going to do that, and I can’t risk losing you.

So promise me.. you’ll take care of yourself.”

“...I promise.” Leo slowly shut his eyes.

“...(Name)?”

“Hm?”

“Can you.. Remember that lullaby?”

“The one to the kids at the orphanage?”

“Yeah.. can I hear you.. sing it again?”

.

.

.

That night.. was one of the few when everyone managed to sleep without being woken up by a baby’s cries.

Listen | F!Reader Insert

A/N: When the movie trailer dropped, I knew there are many opportunities for angsty fan fiction, so I kind of took one. Some of the dialogue is canon, everything else is from my imagination. Anyway, getting the characters’ "character” was a challenge. I’ll appreciate any constructive criticism to improve it. Enjoy!

Summary: Casey Jones is trying to warn them of their future.

Pairing(s): Rise! Leo X Reader (Established Relationship)

Reader: Feminine pronouns are used. No actual appearance, only mentions.

Genre: Humor / Slight Angst

Warning(s): Rushed writing. Written before release. Mentioned character death.

Word Count: ~840

~

“So what’s your business with our friend, pal?”

Casey slowly opened his eyes, groaning through the headache. The world seemed upside-down, but judging from the ropes tying his body to a chair, he got the memo. So he was knocked out and taken into the underground subway station. The human boy grimaced; the stench reeked here.

In front of him stood four mutant turtles, in addition to the presence of a sewer rat and another human. “Master.. Leonardo?” Casey murmured as he recognized the blue eye-mask and red markings.

“Hey, did you hear that?” Mikey gasped. “He knows your name!”

Leon smirked. “And he added a nice ring to it, too.”

“So Blue does mature after all.” Splinter scratched his fur.

“Great,” Donnie rolled his eyes. “Thank you for inflating his ego.”

“Guys, come on now—,” Raph began.

“Shh. Give a minute, hermanos, I’ve got a plan.” Leon announced with confidence.

All the voices blurred. Casey glanced around groggily, only to realize there was one person missing from the group. “(Name).... Urgh…. Where’s.. where’s (Name)?”

The group quieted down.

“Oho, skipping the introductions, are we?” Leon narrowed his eyes. He stepped closer to the human boy. “You got something against her too? …I’d let it go if I were you,” he threatened.

“This is what happens when random people jump straight to asking about his girlfriend before doing introductions,” Donnie remarked. Casey panicked under Leon’s glare, especially once he saw Leon pull out his katana. “Hey, hey!” Casey shook fervently. “Hold on a minute! It’s not—.”

“My hermanos, what do you think we should do with him?” The turtle pointed with the tip of his blade.

“Ooh, ooh!” Mikey raised his hand. “Give him a nasty haircut!”

Raph thrusted his fist forward. “We could use a nice punching bag.”

“Or here’s a better idea,” Donnie pulled down his goggles, doing a quick analysis of Casey, “how about I alter his brain, so we can remote-control him?”

“Pfft. Think we’ve scared him enough, boys.” April clapped her hands, making them drop the act and fall into laughter. Raph was snickering in back, seeing Casey all pale and shaken up. “Oh man, that was good.”

“Okay, okay, okay.” Leon wiped a tear. “In all seriousness, who are you, ‘cause we need to call you something other than— I don’t know, human guy?”

“...The name’s Casey Jones—.”

“Hold up, Jones as in Cassandra Jones? Never knew she has a brother,” April asked.

“Son,” he grumbled. God, how many times would they be interrupting him? “I’m her son.”

“Guys, I think he’s gone insane,” Donnie remarked.

“Careful, Don,” Mikey hushed. “Maybe he’s got trauma, and was put up with his sister being the mother role.”

Leon scratched his chin. “Seriously? Casey— I mean, Cassandra here— acting like anyone close to a mother?”

“For the record, I’m not insane!”

“Then, explain how you might be Cassandra’s son, when you’re just about her age.”

“Woah, Donnie, don’t tell me—.”

“That I took DNA samples from his teeth while he were knocked out? Why yes, yes I did.”

Casey shook in the air, which only had the rope swinging him from side to side. “Listen! You want to know how I’m her son? Simple answer is: I’m not from your time.”

“Huh?”

“...Is this going where I think it is?” Donnie covered his own mouth with his hand.

“I know how this sounds,” Casey cautioned. “But I need you to believe me, because I’m from… the future.”

…

Once again, everyone bursted out into laughter. In fact, even Splinter was amused.

“Y-you cannot be serious!” Donnie crouched over, dying. “That’s not possible!”

“Look, person named Casey,” Raph wiped another tear, “no offense, but if you’re trying to scare us, I can assure you you’ve got better things to do.”

“No! I’m trying to warn you guys about the future!”

“Right,” Leon rolled his eyes playfully. “And uh… how do we know whether we should take your word for it?”  

“Because if you won’t do something about this,” Casey’s face contorted in anger, “(NAME) IS GOING TO DIE!”

Noise slipped into immediate silence. Everyone stopped, eyes wide.

“Woah, woah,” Raph’s tone lowered, “You crossed the line there, pal.” The snapping turtle looked to his red-eared brother in concern. He found Leon clenching his hands and narrowing his eyes. “Yeah. There are other ways to get us to listen, y’know.”

“But you wouldn’t listen! And I’m not lying when I—!”

“Then, what are you talking about?!”

“Fine. Let’s start over.” Casey sighed, “My name is Casey Jones. In the future, an alien race by the name of Kraang decimated the planet. Master Leonardo gave me a mission: find the key and stop them.

When I arrived, I couldn’t recognize the place at all. Seeing Commander O’Neil, I thought she could the best person to start with.”

“What’s (Name) got to do here?” Donnie questioned.

“She—.” Casey hesitated, meeting Leon’s eyes. The red-eared slider crossed his arms. “Say it.”

“…She was killed trying to save Master Leonardo.”

Lanterns | Terraria Reader Insert

A/N: Yes, I made an actual fan fiction for Terraria. After five years of not playing, I have returned to realize that the NPCs actually have a personality! Being entertained by my interactions with them, I decided to write this.

A lot of this is referenced to the in-game quotes and events by the NPCs, in addition to my frustration of world exploring. Enjoy!

Word Count: 1980

Summary: You returned to town to find a party being thrown for you. This time, they had a different idea for a celebration.

Reader: Second-person. Gender-neutral pronouns are used if any.

Characters: Zach the Guide | Fantasia the Party Girl | Chryseis the Dryad | Dante the Arms Dealer | Caitlin the Nurse

Pairings: All are platonic.

~

“Huyah!” You yelled. Your sword slashed through the carnivorous Wyverns. Their twists and persistence gave you the fury to strike them down. Souls of Flight fell from their innards, topping off the final ingredient needed to make frozen wings. They make a much better alternative to your current fledgling wings.

You also wondered how Zach the guide managed to know the recipe for making wings. You would never know; maybe he was an adventurer himself once before. 

The magic mirror lit up at your reflection. Then your eyes opened to the familiar comfort of your home. The warmth from your fireplace made the frostbite on your fingers less painful. At your arrival, Zach stood up from the sofa in surprise, the book dropping from his hold. 

“Oh! It’s you, (Name)!” He held his chest. “I thought you were one of those Goblin sorcerers. ...Did you get the Souls?”

After plucking out some harpy feathers from your armor, you opened your backpack and took out a glass bottle containing the essence. “Yeah, I did. Thanks for the recipe, Zach. I can reach the sky islands easier now. Those Wyverns are hell to deal with though. If it weren’t for the shield from who was it, Romeo, I wouldn’t make it….”

“As expected,” he laughed. “And it’s no big deal. I’m always happy to lend a hand to our town hero. Speaking of which,” Zach took the bottle, placed it on the table, and grabbed your hand, “come, (Name). Fantasia’s excited to be throwing a party after you protected us from the Pirates. Who knew they’d be interested in a small town like ours?”

“Eh? Another one?” Your brows furrowed. “Zach, I’m thankful, but I’m just doing my deeds. You guys shouldn’t even be surprised to have invasions anyway. It’s not like it’s something new.”

“All hard work deserves something. Don’t feel bad for us; the majority of us do nothing but sell and buy.”

Huh.

“I guess you make a good point—.”

“Hey (Name)!” People leaped from behind the bushes. They were your fellow townspeople, and you realized that Zach took you to the park for the celebration, instead of the usual town hall. “The park? Is there some construction on the hall that I didn’t know about?” Your shoulders slumped. “Don’t tell me another attack happened while I was away.”

Fantasia waved her hands. “No no, of course not! Instead,” her lips formed a grin, “we just have this cool idea for an activity. And tonight has some perfect weather for it: mild wind, a clear sky—.”

“We decided to do this activity for each time you defend us from a new enemy.” Chryseis smiled, placing a moonglow flower crown on your head.

“And what would that be?”

“Thought you’d never ask!” Fantasia raised her left hand up high. “Light it up, everyone!” Behind the party girl, you watched in awe as something began glowing in each towns-person's hands. 

“Ahh.” You realized: those were lanterns, being released into the night sky. 

Their small flames mimicked the stars, making them all the more beautiful. 

Zach chuckled; he admired the lanterns twinkling in your eyes. 

Waking to your side, the merchant brushed his beard. “These lanterns are made of silk, produced by the fine webs of spiders. It’s not easy to retrieve, but the Oten’s explosives scared them all off.”

“Don’t think you can leave me out, old man,” Dante huffed. “If it weren’t for my bullets, those spiders wouldn’t know when to stop. Oten here keeps missing his aim.”

“Oi—!” 

“Dante!”

“Fine, fine. I’ll quit it.” The man lifted your hand to his lips and placed a kiss. “Only for you—.” 

You pulled away. “Sorry, I’m actually saving myself for someone with more compassion than that,” you playfully wafted your hand, leaving the arms dealer in embarrassment. Everyone laughed at the sight.

Then, a glass of blueberry juice reached your hand. “Ahh, I’m glad to have you here with us, (Name),” Caitlin spoke up. “Not only have you provided us a home, but you’re also a cool person! Better ask me to treat when you can.”

“Let me guess: in return for coins?” You sipped the juice.

The nurse was so quick to answer, “Yeah— hey!” She lightly shoved your arm. “I’ll lower the costs for you, o-of course!”

“Haha, appreciated it, Cait.”

As you strolled away, a sudden, blue cloud poofed out of nowhere. A man of a white beard and purple appeared. “Hello, beloved hero!” Merlyn exclaimed. 

“What’s with the formality?”

“Now now, have you really not heard of my saying: ‘great magic comes with great respect’?” Another cast of blue revealed a crystal ball in his hands. You tilted your head. “You sure? I don’t remember you saying such thing last after-party.”

The man hushed you, “Sh, sh! It’s essential I follow the advice of my magic crystal. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have spoke in such a way. I mean, its tellings don’t come often after all!”

“Merlyn, I really do think the crystal tells you the future, not actual advice on what you—.”

“Shh!”

With a gentle touch, Merlyn rubbed the object. Then, he held it out, closing his eyes and chanting a string of words, until he removed his hand. “Aha! Your future seems bright— other than a dead goldfish— but still! I give you this magic crystal, beloved, young hero, (Name), in hopes that you will use this in a time of doubt.”

“Wait what?” You held the crystal with great care. “Merlyn, I’m not sure—.”

“Whoops, too late! I must walk my hat! Perhaps, an enchanting cup of hot chocolate may entertain you instead.”

Just like that, the glass in your hand transformed into a hot mug. You realized you lost sight of the wizard. You glanced around in vain. “Huh, he actually dipped on me,” you muttered. You stared down at the crystal ball and sighed. “Fine.” 

“How are you feeling, (Name)?” You jumped, making Chryseis laugh. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“You’re good. In all truthfulness, at least you’re not Dante.” The dryad rolled her eyes at the name. “I must agree. To this day, that man still can’t tell I’m five hundred years old.” A look of shock caught your face. “I’m sorry, what?”

“What?”

“I actually didn’t know you’re five hundred years old….”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“It isn’t! You look incredibly young!”

“I know you mean it as a compliment.” Chryseis rubbed her arm. “I just  don’t think it helps in the case of Dante,” she chuckled. “But enough of that, the corruption has been decreasing thanks to you.” 

“Well, some of the thanks should also be given to Hope. Even though it was pricey, the cleminator was helpful.” You crossed your arms. “Oh, the steampunker?” You blinked. “Yeah, is there something about her?” 

“Not necessarily.” Chryseis shook her head. “I heard she dislikes me, but for what reason, I’m not sure. Anyway, let me see….” The dryad connected her hands and closed her eyes. A gust of wind blew by as she hummed a short tune to herself. “Terraria has less than five percent of corruption! Each day, nature is more at ease.”

“Terraria?”

“Oh.” The dryad’s eyes widened. “Sorry, that was a slip of my tongue. I meant (World Name).”

“Well, I’m glad to hear my work paid off, and that my gold isn’t for nothing.” Your hand lightly touched the flower crown on your hair. “And thanks for the crown again, Chryseis.” She smiled. “Of course.”

“Ay, (Name)!” 

A different voice yelled out, one that made the dryad frown. “Oh no, I must leave now, (Name). Do take care!”

“W-wait, you can’t just leave—!”

Dante took your arm, turning you to face him. “Now where’d you think you’re going, sweetheart? The party’s just started.” You grimaced at the nickname. “Don’t you have Caitlin to flirt with?” 

“I didn’t know you’re so interested in who I’m with.” He smirked.

“More of ‘I wish you wouldn’t talk to me now,’ to be honest.” 

“Ouch, not even a bullet hurts that bad.” Dante ran a hand through his hair. “C’mon, I just need a moment.” 

You glanced around for a lone person to speak with, but alas, everyone was busy with their own celebratory agenda. “What would it be now: more firearm dealing, a dinner date?” You waved off. “Forget it, I’m happy with my current weapon and treasure hunting.”

“Hey hey!” The dealer stopped you. “It’s… I just want to give you something as a gift, all right?”

“…Huh?”

Dante scoffed, “Why do you sound so confused? I’m not that hard-hearted. Here.” The man shoved a long cardboard box to you. You slowly opened it, revealing the star cannon. “You….” 

He rubbed his nape. “Look, I was supposed to give you it three parties ago— y’know, the one after you killed that giant plant— but I never found you. You were always gone for some reason, but I guess you got other stuff to do, so….” He paused for a moment. “So… you like it?”

You stared at the gift, thinking and admiring the fact that Dante even poured effort to forge it. The silence you gave was unbearable for the man, however.

“Hey, don’t leave me hangin’, (Name). I even asked Oten to explode the meteorite for it, but apparently, his explosives don’t even work on it. You’d have to find stars for ammo though. I would’ve gotten some if it weren’t for the fact that the stars I’ve seen killed some—.”

“I love it.”

The sudden remark made Dante flustered. 

“Thanks, Dante. I have to admit: I didn’t expect this.”

He coughed. “Yeah yeah, I only did it because you earned it—.”

“(Name)!” 

Your eyes flickered to your friend walking over to you two. “Zach?” You smiled at his appearance.

Dante, on the other hand, “tch’d,” looking away with bitterness in his mouth. “Hey, glad to have found you. The wind’s drifting the lanterns to the west. I thought we could go over to the pond and read the messages on there.”

“You guys put messages on there?” You looked to Dante, who pursed his lips and nodded.

“Come on!” You put the star cannon back into the box, carefully handling it. “Okay okay. I gotta go, so thanks again, Dante.” You smiled.

You and Zach hurried over to the edge of the pond. The lights reflected onto the water. You watched the wind lead some of the lanterns within arm’s reach. After some time, your hand raised up high and caught onto one. 

“This one’s from Konah,” Zach observed.

“‘Strong energy flows through you, in which your presence keeps my soul at peace.’”

Zach pulled in another lantern. “Oh, this is from Reishi!”

You laughed at this one. “‘I’m glad you didn’t try to eat me.’” 

“Unfortunately, he’s got Alfed to worry about. That guy’s always trying to take a bit out of him,” Zach sighed. You thought aloud, “What’s up with truffles?”

“Not sure, I just heard it can mess your head up, which sounds more uncomfortable than tasty,” your friend replied.

The two of you looked up at more lanterns in silence, many of which were floating far away. Something ran through your mind when you caught sight of the actual stars in the sky. “…Hey Zach?”

The guide hummed, signaling you to continue. “Every day, I wonder why I’m here. To be honest, it feels exhausting to get rid of the enemies and corruption. In fact, I wonder if I have a different purpose than that. But… after spending time to meet and talk with you guys, I feel less lonely.” Zach turned away from the lanterns to face you. 

“I’m glad to have you guys here. I’m glad that my purpose is to help protect you guys if anything. And…,” you paused, “I wish it will stay that way forever.”

Before You Go | Future Leo X GN!Reader (Part IV)

A/N: Any constructive criticism is appreciated.

Summary: You’re both adopting-parents of Casey. What was expected to be a calm rainy night turned out to be more ominous than you would like.

Reader: Gender-neutral pronouns are used, except the terms “(Mama / Papa)” are also used. Second POV.

Pairing: Rise! Future! Leonardo X Reader

Warnings: None.

Word Count:  ~960

Parts: One / Two / Three / Four / Five / ...

~

All was quiet..

For once in a long time, rain poured down onto New York City and its boroughs. It almost felt like a rainforest. The climate growing hotter over the decade had the water vaporized into a fog. Though you found it suffocating, it prevented the Kraang from seeing clearly. 

Except.. that was only an assumption.

There were many things undiscovered about the alien race and their weaknesses. For now, your base was once again deemed safe.

The red-eared turtle laid on a rock-hard bed, snoring soundly. It was recent when some refugees ran across large segments of concrete. Used not just for sturdy walls, but to replace having to lay on soil. It wasn’t exactly comfortable, but you’d never felt any cleaner.

Beside Leo was your sleeping form, arms around Casey. Or so he assumed.. up until something— rather someone— sharply jabbed into his jaw.

THUB.

“Augh!” Pain surged in his teeth and Leo recoiled. He groaned. He hissed. He was ready to yell, ready to complain, but then.. came a young voice to his inner ears.

“..Papa.”

The turtle loosened up his shoulders.

A loud huff out.

It was Casey. The going-onto-five toddler crawled onto his plastron and managed to kick his chin. Leo did not mind him climbing up, except, him rolling around….

“Case,” Leo whispered, “Come on, buddy. I’m trying to sleep here.” The red-eared slider dragged his hand across his face, his fingertips lingering on his chin as if it would help soothe the pain.

Then, he picked Casey up and positioned him between your sleeping form and his. However, the toddler whined and flailed his arms, thrashing not only onto Leo but also your back.

“Noo! Don’t sleep Papa! I don’t want to sleep yet.”

You mumbled in your sleep. That was the cue for Leo to hold Casey down, fearing you would wake up mad. Sleep was precious in a time like this. He knew it himself how much losing any could affect your ability to fight.

He sighed, grimacing. “God, you’re a hyper one. I miss that energy.” This was definitely Cassandra’s son. “Man, if only I know how to sing a lullaby.”

Casey huffed and climbed back onto Leo’s plastron. “What is it, buddy?”

“Red.. stripe,” he muttered.

Leo was taken aback when the kid began to tap his hands up his neck and onto his red markings. This genuinely made the turtle embarrassed, flustered. Sometimes, he forgot he had those features.

At least he was reminded of how unique he was.. and how much you would talk about your infatuation for his stripes back then.

“Cool..”

“You just noticed them now, huh?”

“Where is it from?”

“I..” Leo wouldn’t know how to answer that.

“Can I get one?”

Ah.

“Ohoho. When you go to sleep, bud.” Leo snorted. “You get these cool stripes if you let your Papa and (Mama / Papa) sleep.”

The toddler grumbled, throwing hands at the turtle’s plastron again. “But I don’t want to! Why do I have to sleep?”

Thump..

“Shh shh.. Sleep is important, bud. Do you want to know why we have to stay underground?” This piqued Casey’s interest. He’d never seen the overground, only heard it from the refugees’ stories. He’d also heard about the Kraang, though generally that they were enemies.

“Why?”

“Because the Kraang are monsters who don’t get enough sleep.”

“R-Really?”

“Mhm,” Leo warned. “Stories have it that if you don’t try to get enough sleep, you’ll slowly become crazy and a Kraang—.”

He immediately stopped once he noticed Casey tearing up a bit. The kid whimpered, “I don’t want to be a Kraang..”

“Ah, don’t worry too much about it, bud. If you at least try not to bother others and fall asleep, then you won’t become one.” Leo tapped onto Casey’s chest. “You see (Mama / Papa) over here?”

“Yah.”

“They’re sleeping. You don’t want to get them mad, do you?” Leo brought Casey closer to his face and tapped their noses together. He smiled when the child calmed down and began to giggle. 

“No, Papa.. I want (Mama / Papa) to stay the way they are.”

“Now that’s a good kid.”

—THUMP! THUMP! 

The ground suddenly shook. The dust and dirt falling from the dugout’s ceiling had Leo pushing himself upright.

His heart dropped. Oh no.

“Papa.. What’s that noise—?”

“Shh shh. Probably just Uncle Raph turning over. Get to sleep, bud.” He brushed the bit of dirt off of Casey’s back and carefully placed the toddler on the bed. “Papa’s only gonna check on something real quick.” 

“But.. where are you going!” Casey cried out his questions but was ignored. His father had already hurried his way through the underground base.

.

.

.

“Lee?” The younger brother stepped out of his room rubbing his eyes.

If Mikey heard that.. Leo was not going crazy then. Those noises.. they’d been getting close. 

“What’s going..?” 

Midway in his question, he quickly quieted down, seeing a harrowing expression on Leo’s face. Mikey had a feeling; he had some bad feeling when his bed shook. Was he willing to accept the worst however? He would never be able to. 

“Don’t tell me..” Mikey followed behind. 

“Lee. Lee! It’s not what I think it is, right?!” 

“I-I don’t.. I don’t know.” His older brother’s chest felt heavy as worse outcomes clouded his head. “We.. we’ve gotta check.”

“No no.. God no..” The box turtle prayed. “We can’t move! This was our place for so long!” Leo had never heard nor seen his brother so alarmed, fear behind those wide-eyes. The idea of leaving behind all those memories.. 

It was disturbing him.

“Mikey. We might not have a choice. It’s everyone’s safety above all else.”

“But where do we run to then?!”

Leo winced. He did not want to think further about this right now. 

The two climbed to the top of a ladder, a sewer plate that met their base with the overgrounds. Reluctant, Leo lifted the plate, eyeing around only to see mist against a red sky, glowing faintly under the moonlight.

“Crap. The fog’s not just a disadvantage to the Kraang,” he cursed.

“Anything, Leo?”

“Can’t see anything..” Leo tapped his foot on one of the rungs of the sewer ladder, and his brother began to climb down.

“..They’re not gonna stop,” Mikey mumbled.

He watched his older brother grimace, indicating he was still have a hard time accepting their situation: everyone seeking refuge underground in fear.. having so few resources and life left in them.

Mikey narrowed his eyes. 

“C’mon,” he spoke, reaching the floor, “You said to put everyone’s safety’s above all else.” He placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I know anything can happen, but.. as long as we take care of each other, we can push through this, Lee.”

.

.

There was a long silence before Leo took a deep breath. His hand reached over and returning Mikey’s touch, letting him know.. he was still there. 

“..Right. Thanks, Mike.”

Separating ways, Leo stumbled back to your bedroom with half-lidded eyes, expecting for Casey to have fallen asleep in your arms. 

Which did happen, just not in the way he was imagining.

You were up leaning by the room entrance. The kid was snoring in your arms as you held him close to your chest.

“Agh...” A drained laugh escaped his throat. “And here I was hoping he could be trusted with letting you sleep.”

“Don’t worry,” you smiled. “I’m not mad.. this time.” Leo would’ve returned it, if only he hadn’t seen your expression falter. “They’re trying to find us, aren’t they? They know we’re alive.”

Leo winced again.

“I have to admit.. I’m scared, Leo,” your voice wavered. You could feel it: the outcome was slowly becoming inevitable.

“No.. Stop that, (Name).” He held your shoulders, his thumb rubbing to soothe you. 

One of his hands then lifted your chin up as he leaned closer to kiss you on your lips. “Don’t worry,” he whispered, “I won’t let anything happen to you, Casey, or anyone else.. I won’t let them win.”

You furrowed your brows. “We. We won’t let them win.”

You let yourself get pulled close to Leo. You felt his arms wrap around your body, while you stilled yours around Casey, a tight embrace that showed more fear than reassurance. 

Rise of TMNT Mini-Episodes

I may be desperate, but who cares, because Nickelodeon just released two mini-episodes for Rise!

Nickelodeon paying more attention to our 2018 turtles?? Ohh man, I sure hope so.

Rise of TMNT Movie Review (No Spoilers)

Everyone, I am proud to rate this movie a 7.5 out of 8 slices. (For reference, that is an equivalent of 9.375 out of 10.)

This is from someone who assumed for a moment the movie might fail.

For one, I need everyone to understand how DIFFICULT it is to fit every development into an hour and a half movie. Especially considering it is an animation movie. 

I couldn’t blame the producers, knowing the backlash the series received for no good reason.

—

I cried during the emotional segments. The sight of trying but your efforts failed hit me hard. Hearing the turtles’ frustration too.. The VAs did amazing. Props to them for reaching my heart.

The animation, I want to hug the entire team. The backgrounds, the action, and the personal moments gave me CHILLS. 

It’s a disgrace to every person working on the movie when the Internet decided to put it under plain “comedy.” 

Sure, be judgmental, only because it’s animated. Why don’t you say the same for Marvel and DC’s dark animated films?

ARE WE GOING TO IGNORE EVERYTHING ELSE?

Here, the Kraang actually looked menacing. World-threatening to its literal definition. Murder? Yep, one of them is a deranged psychopath. I’m glad they didn’t go down the whole “just alien brains” route. (Sorry not sorry.)

Awes me when they managed to snuck in a few mature moments. 

—

I do have to admit: the comedy could’ve been improved. And I do wish that there was an extra hour in the movie for enough room to seam everything smoothly.

Although, the emotional moments made me forget those flaws.

—

Happy to know my fan fiction is 15% accurate to the actual movie. I mean, it’s expected Leo would point out the “Master” part.

Bruh, making a review without spoilers that can express my hype is a challenge.