Tmnt 2k12 - Blog Posts

Headcanon for Why MA Raph Lost His Memories

The memories Raph lost during the Mutant Apocalypse are associated by bad or traumatic moments in his life.

I was rewatching Mutant Apocalypse and kind of noticed something. In the beginning, we see that Raph remembers his brothers but not Splinter. Same with Chompy and most likely Mona.

I think after witnessing the Mutagen bomb, his brain was so tired of the mental trauma that it sort of did a reboot. But, only the good memories stayed. Like deleting files in your computer.

Splinter was one of them because his death affected Raph then actually expressed. He saw his dad get killed and couldn’t save him. I think a part of him just wanted to forget.

Chompy and Mona got erased because they are sort of associated with space. Season 4 was not a great place mentally for the characters. Along with everyone, he had this weight on his shoulders to save the Earth, most importantly his loved ones. Plus, Raph constantly stated that he hated space and would get sick.

But, his love for Chompy was so strong, Raph remembered him at first glance.

What do you guys think? 😊❤️

April O’Neil(2012) Character Analysis

So, this version of April is pretty controversial, especially beyond this community. Many fans accuse her of being a toxic, manipulative women. Even some fans would use derogatory words. For me, she is not so bad. Not my favorite, but pretty okay.

I’m not trying to convince others to change their minds. I respect everyone’s opinions because everyone matters is many ways. All I want to do is explain how I see April and get some of you guys’ opinions.

Hope you enjoy this analysis! And comment down below if you would like me to analyze another character.

Anyway, here we go.

The Main Issues

Season 2:

This season was where it all began with April hate train.

I think almost everyone can agree that April wasn’t so bad in season one, maybe even likable. At least, I did.

But all that potential love went down the drain once season two started.

The first episode, called “The Mutation Situation,” takes place a few months after they defeat the Kraang and the Shredder disappeared. Everything seemed fine since April’s dad was back and the city hadn’t been attacked. But, the Turtles once again have to face the Kraang and stop them from transporting their mutagen supply. They asked for April and her dad’s help to find the ship, though she had to trick him into doing it. The four brothers destroyed the ship, but they paid the price because all of the mutagen in the ship fell off, scattered across the city. One of the vials was going to drop on April, except her father took the hit and mutated into a human-sized bat.

Kirby kidnaps April and the guys have to save her. Once they did, Michelangelo reveals that him and his brother’s were indirectly responsible for the incident.

April gets so mad and storms off, wishing to never see them again.

Okay, so from my perspective, I understand why April broke down and said those hurtful things the first time. She went through a lot during the first season. With her dad being held captive for so long, getting kidnapped and probed by the Kraang, and being forced to relinquish most of her old life.

I’m surprised she isn’t even a bit traumatized.

When April believed the Kraang were defeated and her dad was safe, she was happy to have her life back in some kind of order. Yet, in basically a day, that whole dream died right in front of her. She was tired of all the fighting, and lost it when she realized she would have to again. In her irrational, emotional mind, I think she was angry at the turtles for more than just accidentally mutating her dad. She associated them as the start to all the craziness she didn’t want.

After everything she went through, April was desperate to have some clarity that she was willing to throw away her close friends.

I’m not saying that she shouldn’t have apologized. April needed to apologize.

What I didn’t condone from this arc was her yelling at Donnie in “Target: April O’Neil.” She went a bit off line and at least should’ve had some sense in what she was saying. Maybe Donnie practically stalking got her upset, but I get why people would get upset with her over that.

 The Love Triangle:

This love triangle was the worst written plot point in this show. I still love the show, but god this needed so much work.

I believe there were some Apritello shippers around season one. I kind of shipped them.

This ship was ruined once season two came around with that April arc and introducing Casey.

I love Casey, but he was mostly used as a plot device for the love triangle. He had so much more potential than what he got.

Based on the comments about the triangle, most people have an issue with their belief that April was manipulating the guys and how unclear the status of either Apritello or Capril.

I just got to say that poor April was dragged through the mud because of the writer’s mistakes. They confused the h*ll out of us, or at least me, with all the will they, won’t they switcheroo. It was hard to tell if April liked Donnie, Casey, both, or none of them. I think the main goal with this triangle was the writers indecision to either follow the 2003 version’s lead with Capril or go their own path with Apritello. If they had decided, this plot point would have been so much better.

To be honest, I think the writers stopped April from making a decision to make the show “interesting. ”In season 3, it seemed like April wanted to be with Donnie. Casey and her were also acting more like friends instead of love interests. Yet, in the first episode of season 4, they had to make him get love struck over her new outfit.

Ughh... the writers confused me too much.

I think it didn’t come to fans’ minds that maybe April was confused with her feelings. Maybe she liked both guys and didn’t reject both of them outright because of her need to clear her head. Sure, it was a bad idea to be honest with them, but people make mistakes.

 “The Power Inside Her”:

People are a bit harsh towards April in this episode. I totally get how they feel, though their hate for her could have clouded their judgment.

The biggest complaint I have seen about this episode is the fans being angry with April for not breaking from the alien’s control. Compared to the aeon, Za-Naron, April is a not that experience with her mental powers. Communicating or using their mental powers is normal for the Aeons, while April figured out how to use them a few months or a year ago. As she kept the crystal, Za-Naron control over her grew stronger. I think that if any other character like Leo or Donnie, fans would be more lenient since their writing was way better.

Of course, April needed to apologize for temporary killing Donnie, and hurting her friends; good thing she did. I don’t hold it against her as much as other fans.

 Conclusion:

After finishing the analysis, I concluded that April is a victim of bad writing instead of a terrible character. I know there’s an argument that the writing doesn’t really play a part with liking or disliking a character, but it does. Writers decide every character’s actions and create the person they’ll become. Reducing April to a plot device for romance was terrible. Not seeing April’s potential was one of the greatest disappointments in TMNT 2012.

If you still don’t like April, that’s fine. I’m not trying to change your mind. All I want is to open their perspectives and see that all the hate April gets can be explained.

Hope you enjoyed this analysis. Comment down below your thoughts.

Do you agree or disagree?

Thanks for reading! 😊❤️

These 4 more turtles are finished 💅✨️

@ididntwantobeaglader Here you go!

Who's next?

I finish these 4 beautiful turtles 💅✨

So who's next?

@nuggetglitch Here you go!

Both Rise!Raph and Rise!Mikey (Dr. Positive, Dr. Feelings and a little help from Dr. Delicate touch) have a very very heavy influence on 2k12!Ralph after spending some time together in the Rise!Universe. And 2k12!Turtles will be the victim of the said influence.

This has been on my head for 4 hours now. This is likely to happen after 2k12!Raph sends back to his dimension.

I went outside the other day!!!

THEY ARE SOOOO CUTE

Causal Caseytello (Dona AU)

Part 2 to THIS ASK because it was getting very long and it was filled to the brim with two very deep topics. The questions from the Asks are taken straight here to be judged as anyone so pleases.

"For the Dona AU, does anything change with the China Town episode with the spirit guy or the episode during the farmhouse arc with the demon car?"

Well for one thing, I JUST REALIZED THAT I CAN MAKE THIS REWRITE CANON SO- UH- YEAH. A LITTLE BIT OF ALTERATION TO THE CHINA TOWN STORY. SIBLING LOVE FOR THE WIN!

Ykw fine. We gonna do some causal Caseytello.

The beginning of the episode is Casey is trying to show off and Donnie gets frustrated because she thinks Casey is mocking her kunoichi abilities. April snaps at them because they won't stop bickering, Casey offers an 'apology hug' but Donnie stomps off to pout at the edge of a roof. Where she (happily) spots the Purple Dragons. Letting her friends know, she hurries down to face them.

Casey (not getting the hint) CONTINUES to be a show-off and Donnie fights back with the same brash attitude. They end up letting the Purple Dragons get away and April is ticked at them. Donnie fails to apologize and tries to blame Casey. Neither takes responsibility.

Later, after her brothers get taken and they develop a plan, Casey and Donnie do their research. Then they go on a ✨rescue mission✨

The rest of the episode goes on as canon.

The first few episodes at the farmhouse are just them getting closer and THEN comes Race With The Demon. Starts out with an argument, they get run off the road, go to the farmhouse, tell the story, and Donnie complains of pain. CASEY, looking guilty, offers the massage, which has everyone giving him a baffled look as Donnie’s like, “NO?? Obvs no?? Don’t touch me you weirdo???” and then she makes a dismissive comment about repairing his dents in the Party Wagon as she leaves the room, rubbing her neck.

Then we find them chilling in the barn, alphabetically insulting each other as friendemies do. They work on the car, test the car, Casey wrecks the car (&saves an old lady, respect). He makes a comment like “Donnie’s gonna kill me,” and then when Donnie shows up, she’s more upset about the fact that he ditched her than anything else.

They get back to the farmhouse, eventually meet in the barn, and Casey awkwardly apologizes for leaving her behind. She tries to dismiss him but he pleads for her and her “sweet scientific genius.” Her beak reddens but she pushes his face away, nonchalant as she agrees to try out a “crazy, awesome idea.”

✨They build and drink coffee together like friendos ✨

Insert the VIP of the farmhouse arc: DR CLUCKINGSWORTH. M.D.

Then we introduce The Turtleracer. Head on the road. And take on the Speed Demon! (Where Casey actually follows the plan, shocking)

Donnie jumps on a speeding car, because these children are both apparently adrenaline junkies, and tears the human out.

AND THEN- OH NOOO- SHE GETS EATEN!!

And Casey. Is. Not. Having. It.

So they race! And fight! And Casey, realizing that he’s going to lose, furiously declares, “I don’t care about winning! I just want her back!” And furiously tears Donnie out of the car.

Donnie goes back to normal, Casey quickly runs over to assist her to her feet with an arm around her shoulder, and then asks if she’s okay. She says that she is and they get about two seconds to stare softly into each other’s eyes before Speed Demon runs at them.

Donnie quickly shoves Casey out of Speed Demon’s way, and then stabs into it’s maw with a vengeful, “You leave him alone!”

They hit the ground, the others ram the PartyWagon off the cliff, and victory is scored! No problems here, right? (No. Forget that)

Donnie, who was JUST demutated, fails to stand once on her feet. Casey catches her, she shakily blames it on the adrenaline loss, and then repeats the sentiment to the worried group running over. Casey dismisses the weakness topic entirely and get a conversation going about how awesome their plan was. Donnie lights up and they both begin rambling, neither noticing the way that Casey’s arm is still snuggly around her shell.

Then audience gets to see Raph and April exchange a widely fandom-interpreted Look before the black and white scene appears.

I want this to be the A Foot To Big scene that the audience ABSOLUTELY HATES because they go back to friendemies after this. There are definitely little moments where they’re fluffy and crushing for a while, but nothing super serious happens.

There’s a definite amount of crushing for the rest of the series but neither makes a real move. UNTIL!!

The Power Inside of Her. And if it’s not obvious why, then I’m going to need you to watch the episodes again cause that’s a big one.

Donnie becomes blue sparkles!! And Casey’s there to watch it!!

And now he’s depressed! Because Donnie’s dead and now they have to kill his human bestie! And when she runs at Raph (because he’s pretty insistent that she die, RIP Angry Man), Casey stands in the way and begs, “Remember Donnie!”

And it works! Yay!!

And now we move onto Tokka vs. The World where the brothers are like “I dunno maybe Donnie should sit this one out” and Donnie takes great offense and shoves her way into the field with Casey’s support, though he’s pretty “if you make us separate I will end your life.” And then Leo DOES tell him&Mikey to separate and Casey throws his mini fit. Then Donnie gives him a meaningful look and he’s like “But what about you?” and Donnie insists that she can take care of herself, to which he reluctantly agrees, and she pleas with him to stay with Mikey. Locked under her sadorable gaze, Casey gives in with a grumbled, “Only if you promise not to be stupid” to which she mockingly replies, “C’mon, Jones, it’s me we’re talking about”.

She runs off with Leo and doesn’t notice his subdued gaze following her down the hall. Mikey looks between them with squinty eyes and a loud, “Hmmm.” Casey, catching his stare, quickly begins loudly complaining about being left behind. They get caught.

*insert the events of the episode*

Then we go to The Tale of Tiger Claw. Episode events progress. Casey is warned. Donnie looks very, very worried in the background.

She tells him to take the premonition seriously.

He replies that “he’s not afraid of any dumb ol’ vision.”

She’s not satisfied but she lets it’s slide.

Insert the girls in the lab. Leo says they gonna do patrol, designates teams, but everyone’s surprised when Casey asks to be paired with Donnie. Leo looks at Donnie, Donnie gives a confused shrug, and then Leo tells him to stick with Raph. Instead of the discussion between Mikey&Leo, it spans to Raph&Casey.

They’re chillin’ in an alley as Raph side-eyes the vigilante. Casey notices and demands, “What?”

Raph asks, “So what’s up between you and Donnie?”

“Nothin’.” Looking concerned, he asks, “Why? Did she say something?”

“It’s not about what she’s saying. It’s about what you’re not saying.”

Evidently uncomfy, he causally drawls, “You totally lost me.”

“Look, man, are you going to ask her out or what?”

To which Casey jolts and falls backward into the Turtleracer with a frantic kind of “HUH?!”

The question never gets answered because Leo alerts them to the incoming danger and the conversation is dropped for a chase scene. They fight Alopex, Casey gets scratched, Tiger Claw vs Alopex fight, and then they regroup and Casey almost gets crushed.

They head back to the lair and Casey is shown to be very carefully not looking at Raph as they learn more about the curse. When Casey makes the comment about getting kissed poisoned by Karai, Donnie glowers as she puts out the fire behind him. Splinter tells them all how to break the curse and they head out.

They head off to find her, the van gets hit, and Raph chides Casey for it. Donnie immediately stands and reminds him why he needs to be there to break the curse and Casey chimes in with a firm, “So back off me, brah!” With both of them glaring him down, Raph puts up his hands in surrender.

Satisfied, Donnie sits down and goes back to work.

Raph lets his gaze slide from Casey to Donnie and then back. He raises an eye ridge. Casey stomps to the front of the vehicle.

They fight Alopex, Casey almost dies multiple times, and then she runs off. After the battle, Donnie hurries up to Casey to demand if he’s okay, a hand on his arm as she looks him over. It moves to his face as she angles it, holding up two fingers. He gives the right number and reassures her that he’s fine, only for her to be skeptical.

Leaning into her hand and glancing at their close proximity, he slyly adds, “This curse really isn’t that bad.”

She blinks, clearly frazzled, awkwardly picking up her staff and opening her mouth like she’s going question it when the blade of the staff in her other hand almost impales him in the face.

He shouts as she frantically backs up, sheepishly apologizing and promising, “I-I’ll- uh, keep my distance.”

She turns and he flails, snapping, “This curse is the worst!”

They pile into the van. Tiger Claw gives his backstory. Then captures Alopex. But- uh oh! Turtles arrive to free her!

Fighting ensues! Casey almost dies many more times!

Then he breaks the blade! No more curses!

More fighting. Tiger Claw gets no arm and no tail.

Donnie hurries up to him when all is said and done and, predictably, demands to know his medical state. He tells her that he’s both fine and curseless, and she, visibly relieved, gives him a quick peck on the cheek before pulling away and snapping, “And next time listen to the dumb ol’ visions so you STAY THAT WAY!”

She stomps back to the vehicle, leaving everyone staring dumbfounded at Casey. He looks surprised, and then grins, looking after her as he muses, “You know, Raph. I think you got a point.”

The episode pans out with him watching her leave. Many hints.

The most hinty of episodes that absolutely nothing happens with.

"I also keep thinking about how would Casey and Donnie end up together if they did and how the others would react? Like how would that play out if it does? What would be their dynamic?"

They’re openly flirty for the rest of their time on screen, but it’s never confirmed if they actually get together or not. It’s left up for the audience to decide. Inspires a great many fanfictions.

'If' they did get together, it would be after The Tale Of Tiger Claw when Casey asks her out. Donnie would be confused about why a human would actually want to go out with her and would probably need time to think it over. Over some kind of episode span, I think she'd talk to all her brothers one-on-one about it briefly and then end the episode by accepting his offer.

All the brothers know Casey well enough to be confident that he's not going to do anything unforgivable, so they're supportive enough to tell her to say yes if she wants but also that she can be sure that he will die if he doesn't accept a no as an answer.

There's a decent amount of teasing during the relationship, but they all saw this coming, so no one really gives it a second glance.

They constantly clash but are able to apologize and work out their issues. They have similar interests in tech, so they build insane, explosive, and dangerous things together. They're often chill when they hang out but willing to dip into insulting sarcasm. Casey refuses to let Donnie hear out the insecurities in her brain and Donnie never hesitates to make Casey gifts so he can live his best life.

Their favorite pastime is finding a way to rile on another up. If you ask Donnie, she'll say that "he probably did something to deserve it." If you ask Casey, he'll smirk and say, "She's hot when she's mad"

Nobody understands why they work but they do.

Okay, fine, you forced my hand but YES I listen to It's Not Like I Like You when I think about their relationship what do you want from me?!

I love this soooooo much ;-;

For the Dona AU, does anything change with the China Town episode with the spirit guy or the episode during the farmhouse arc with the demon car?

Also I know you’ve talked about how Karai and Leo feel about Donnie getting almost (from what I remember anyway) blown up but how does Splinter feel? Seeing his youngest daughter in such a critical state caused by his eldest daughter? Does bro get flashbacks to Tang Shen and the night of the fire? Or even flashbacks to his past relationship with his Shedder since they were brothers?

Also does Donnie ever feel like she has to live up to this ‘expectation’ that is/was Miwa before they find out about Karai? Does Donnie feel the need to be a good daughter or does she feel like a replacement or replaceable because of that or not? Idk I just thought about that.

I also keep thinking about how would Casey and Donnie end up together if they did and how the others would react? Like how would that play out if it does? What would be their dynamic?

I have been loving this btw and hope you are taking care of yourself

I hope you know that you are the reason that I lie awake at night and stare at the roof wondering what angst I inadvertently created.

I saw this ask and had to distance myself from the world to stare at it and contemplate just what I’m putting these people through in an AU that’s SUPPOSED to make things better.

Thank you for your contribution. I have no regrets.

This is PART 1 of this Ask because PART 2 is really long so I decided to split them up so I can focus wholly on one of the two topics.

"Also I know you’ve talked about how Karai and Leo feel about Donnie getting almost (from what I remember anyway) blown up but how does Splinter feel? Seeing his youngest daughter in such a critical state caused by his eldest daughter? Does bro get flashbacks to Tang Shen and the night of the fire? Or even flashbacks to his past relationship with his Shedder since they were brothers?"

“Sensei!”

All of his sons cries overlap, panicked and high as their feet slap against the ground. He immediately notes the missing voice from their call, looking toward them as they slow to step down into the pit.

“My children,” He breathes as he turns to them, eyes widening as he watches them lower their sister to the ground. Raphael pants as he breaks away from her, looking towards him with a harsh panic, explanation coming in a chopped words, “Factory! Explosion!”

Splinter lets this sink in, scanning Michelangelo’s worried eyes as he supports her. Leonardo’s hand rests against her chest to track every breath and his eyes do not leave his sister.

There are burns along her head and arms. Agony painted along every ridge muscle and shallow breath. She is in pain, scrapped and bruised from debris, little bits of metal in her skin. His brain twists the sight before him, sprinkling little reminders that it had been wood that had fallen, metal that had caused the worst damage, blood that had soaked through the three scars forever embedded in his mind.

April shifts beside him and he recalls where he is. Nobody in his arms, a fire left long behind, and his daughter suffering before him.

He feels the urge to go her, pull her in his arms, demand to know what happened- but that did not help Tang Shen. It will not help her. “Take her to the dojo. I will prepare the healing mantras.”

Two of his sons obey. Leonardo does not move, calling after him. He’s a distraction, but something in his voice halts him anyway.

“It’s my fault.”

Splinter inhales, sharp. He now sees the guilt that he'd mistaken as sorrow, reprimand plastered to his tongue.

He will not release it. Not yet.

He waits for an explanation.

“Karai and I- we were taking down Shredder’s operations. I thought we could end this! I’m-” He looks to the side, eyes squeezed shut, before they drop to the floor. “I’m sorry.”

“Yoshi, Saki, please! You are brothers!”

“Go, Shen.”

Splinter exhales softly and turns away. He goes to the dojo and trusts that Leonardo will follow. It’s not until he nears the scrolls that he finds the right words. “I have always warned you of vengeance. What it could cause. What it can take from you. Your honor. Your sense.”

“Saki! This whole place is coming down!”

“Then we shall both perish here!”

“I am disappointed in you, Leonardo.” He pauses, looking at the scroll in his hand, before he lowers it. “But I am proud you had the courage to admit your wrongdoing. For many… It is not so simple.”

“You only dishonor yourself! Always jealous, always scheming, always filled with hate!”

“If I had told the others what I was up to, they never would have gone into that building.” Leonardo scans his expression as he stands, waiting for the verdict, too focused on the past.

Splinter redirects him. “It is right that you should feel pain for your mistakes. But it is one thing to regret bad decisions after they are made. A leader must foresee how bad decisions lead to bad results.”

“PLEASE! STOP!”

His son follows his gaze to his sister and then bows his head.

“I’m sorry, Sensei.”

“I am not the one who needs an apology.”

He steps away to let him think his words over and to focus on his sister, so that Leonardo will be able to give one. So that he will have the opportunity for forgiveness that Splinter never got to know.

The lair is too quiet. April volunteers to check up on his sons, eyes lingering on her friend before she resolutely turns to leave.

Splinter is grateful that she does, for not long after, Donatello stirs.

“My daughter,” he breaths, light flickering from his hands. He goes immediately to cup her face, searching glazed eyes for the light that may have been stolen by the fire. “You are safe. I am here.”

She blinks, rapid and confused, as tears track down to Splinter’s hand. She whimpers, hand clamping over his wrist. “Pap-aaaah!”

“Breathe,” He soothes as she cries out. She squeezes, hard, moisture falling to his fur. “I-It hurts! What- why- why doh-”

“You are injured.” He brushes her face. “Burned. But you are healing.”

She only stares through him, disoriented and scared, even while leaning into his hand. Another whimper shrivels in her throat.

His eyes water, without his want or consent. He has no reason to be upset. She is alive. She needs him to be strong. “Rest, my daughter. You will not know this same pain when you awaken.”

She tries to move, lifting her leg and dropping it, gasping in air when it touches the ground. Her cry is drowned by a whine and he wishes there was a way to take her pain and make it his own.

“Silly ninja. It is not a father’s job to take the pain, my Yoshi. Only to soothe it. Here, let me.”

“Sleep, precious one.” He whispers in the same way that he had years ago when days were long and little turtle hands refused to still. “Papa will not let the world move far without you.”

Her fear lulls, tempered by the gentle safety of the past, a tiny chirp sliding from her tongue. He gives her that moment of calm and then touches the pressure point to knock her out. He gently lays her back down on the mat, resuming the mantra with steady hands.

April comes in to stand on Donatello’s other side.

“They’re not in the lair.”

Splinter gives no response. She kneels down.

They stay by Donatello’s side.

"I thought I could make this about taking down Shredder's organization. But it's too much of a risk going after petty targets just to spite him. I promise, I will no longer go after Shredder's possessions. I'll go after Shredder himself."

The hope that had begun to flicker in his chest dies as Miwa removes her blade from its sheath. She does not look back, leaving them all in the wake of her promise, and Splinter finds his hand outstretched.

He does not know what to do. He does not know what to say.

She saw the price of revenge, and she's still choosing to move forward. How can he stop this? How can he make her see sense?

He doesn't get to decide. A blur of motion charges past.

"NO!"

He sees the impact when Leonardo collides with her. He grabs at the blade as she whirls in surprise, catching her wrist to avoid getting it caught between them. They fall backward, with her taking the blunt of their weight and Leonardo's fury holding them down.

"Leo!" All of his children cry out as Splinter moves to their side, pausing when he spots the fury in his glare. Not one of confusion or anger, but of fear and hurt and understanding, with a protective bite that promises no mercy while caught in sharp teeth.

"Are. You. INSANE?"

This cannot end well.

Splinter should intervene, but for once, he does not.

He motions for the others to stand down as well, watching his daughter's face flick between skin and scales, and lets Leonardo have his say. "We've done this before, Karai! YOU'VE done that before! You ran off to go face him and you got LOCKED UP! It took us MONTHS to get you out! Countless nights of risking our lives for YOU! And now you want to- what, do it all again?"

"I will not be alone this time!" She manages to shove him off, getting to her feet and stumbling away. Miwa looks back, towards Splinter, and he keeps his gaze cool, offering no protection. "I have the clan!"

"Shredder has faced down many armies and fought many battles." Splinter says. "But you would know that, my daughter."

She glares, "I'm doing what has to be done!"

"That's what you said about the warehouses." Leo stalks up to her. "That's what you said about the money. That's what you told me before you went to blow up some stupid factory as if your last mission didn't get your sister BLOWN UP."

"I didn't tell her to go in there-!"

"YOU PLANTED THE BOMBS!" Leonardo's scream cracks at the last word, fists shaking with the pain of almost losing a loved one, eyes clear with the knowledge of how such loss can impact a soul. He takes a heavy breath and the room holds it with him.

He looks at Splinter, and their father nods his encouragement.

"We are leaders." He declares, strong and pronounced. "We are born leaders of our clan, but also of a family. We were selfish and our siblings paid for it. Our ONLY little sister paid for it."

Their gazes travel to her. She is not watching the conversation, hands pressed over the sides of her head, entrapped in a steady hold by the youngest. Her eyes are not visible, squeezed shut in pain, and Splinter's heart aches to see it.

"I..." All attention travels to Miwa. "I never wanted her to be hurt."

"But she was." Leonardo holds his head high. "And instead of learning from it, you are repeating old mistakes. I thought better of you. I thought you'd be better than that Karai."

He turns away from her, steps as silent as the dojo as he travels back to his sister's side. He kneels next to Michelangelo, takes her hand, and wraps his other hand safely around it as she squeezes his fingers.

"I will not risk my family for you again." He says coolly, holding tight. The sound crosses the space with even volume. "If you choose to go alone, you will truly be alone. Do not count on me to bail you out."

"Leo..." She tries, but Splinter does not let her continue. "He is right."

She looks to him, defeat painting eyes that have seen more horrors than any child should know. "I have warned my children against walking into Saki's hands too many times. But I cannot stop them from making their own choices, anymore than I can stop you."

He takes a breath. "You act as if you have no choice. You act as if you are on your own. You are not. You are not alone anymore, Miwa. You are not bound by Saki's vices. You have a family that has fought long and hard for you to come home, and yet you would choose his anger over their love."

"Father." Her fists tighten. Her voice cracks. "He ruined my life."

"He ruined much on that faithful day," Splinter admits as he approaches her, gently cupping her face. He tries not to see Shen in her teary eyes. "But our lives are not yet over. He cannot take anything else from us if we do not let him. Leave his influence behind. Your mother... She would not want this for you."

"I don't-" She pulls her arms to her chest, closing her eyes to bow her head. "I don't know how."

"What do you think we're here for?" Raphael demands with a dismissive bat of his hand at the open air. "Decoration?"

"Let us help you." Splinter translates. "Let us teach you."

"C'mon sis." Michelangelo says, smile weak but genuine. "We deal with April and Dona every day. You'll be a piece of cake."

"Hey," A baffled April says at the same moment that Donatello weakly hits his plastron. Michelangelo laughs, Raphael snickers, and Leonardo shakes his head to hide his smile.

She pulls away, and Splinter lets her.

"Okay." Miwa announces with a smirk, though her confidence does not reach her eyes. "I'll try."

Splinter puts his hands on his cane and nods, "It is all we ask."

Also does Donnie ever feel like she has to live up to this ‘expectation’ that is/was Miwa before they find out about Karai? Does Donnie feel the need to be a good daughter or does she feel like a replacement or replaceable because of that or not? Idk I just thought about that.

Definitely during her younger years. It’s one thing to be the adopted sons who don't comprehend depression and death knowing that he spends a decent amount of time mourning his daughter and wife.

It’s another to be an adopted daughter who doesn’t comprehend depression and death who’s watching him distance himself sometimes to mourn a different daughter that she’s never met when she’s standing right there.

Thankfully (from a Donnie-development POV), Miwa ‘never’ got the chance to grow up. So there isn’t actually any notes to take to fill her shoes and meet expectations. Whenever she actively tries to be like Tang Shen (as she understands her mom from his stories), it only seems to depress Splinter more.

On the day that Splinter gives them their weapons, she entirely expects to be given the one that was meant for Miwa. Then he hands her the bo staff and tells her that it’s perfect for her, and she doesn’t know what to think. It’s the first time that she’s completely confident that he sees Donatello instead of Miwa when he looks at her.

Whenever she needs a reminder of that, she looks to her staff.

By the time that she goes up to the surface, she’s grown to be comfortable in that part of her place in the family.

…And then they meet Karai.

Now, if this does revamp her worries about her place in the family, it’s never directly mentioned in any episodes. Donnie’s main issue with Karai is that she’s always let her imagination run away with her big sister’s image, drafting what Miwa would be like if she survived.

And Karai. Is not the person who Donnie imagined her to be.

"I have been loving this btw and hope you are taking care of yourself"

Right back at you!! Thanks for the Ask!!!

2012 TMNT:

Weird, tiny, mushy brain guys put into robot skins that don’t know how to use grammar

2020/Rise TMNT:

Giant, sadistic, bloodthirsty brain aliens who can counteract the entire Hamato Clan’s ninpo with a flick and are weirdly British

ROTTMNT really got the worse end of the deal

😭

super quick doodle in school of the girlie before my next class begins :DD OKAY HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Terraewe [Donatello & Dakota] – oc × canon

• In 2k12, she dies by sacrificing herself during the Space Arc

• In 2k14/2k16, in the second movie, she dies after being crushed

• In 2k18, in the kraang apocalypse future, she dies by sacrificing herself

Smth one of my tt moots suggested I draw as a joke and I didn’t take it as a joke

Close ups under break

Ur so right

The jump from 2019 to 2024 is sooo violent.

Mutant apocalypse 12!Raph in a bbg pose ^3^

It’s done :D

*Slams down updated version*: it’s coming together slowly

The peepaws of TMNT WIP ^u^

The peepaws of TMNT WIP ^u^

The silly guys <3 (the popo caught them in a bar brawl w the purple dragons)

Literally every story I do with Leonardo I am inspired by this same piece of art! I don’t know why, especially in his dark times, I commonly associate it with him.

Fallen Angel Leo!?

tbh shoulda gave him the black emo ass outfit he kills shredder with but too late 😻

Wow, I love this! It’s just as I imagined him! Thank you so much 😊

@bangs-coffee-fandoms-unite little dark age Tmnt fic

Foot Leo design!!

I feel that jinx and him would get along swell :3

Hope you like!!!

Here is the fifth chapter. Oopsie daisy! Looks like the muses had their say, and it turns out that the evil 2012 iteration of Leonardo is basically just the Rise version:

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to share my first work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fandom with you! While I am a huge fan of the 2003 iteration, I have chosen to set this story in the 2012 iteration, as it fits best with the storyline I have envisioned. But do not worry—if you enjoy this, I will be posting a story set in the 2003 universe later on, so stay tuned!

This story is a loose adaptation of the City Fall arc from the IDW comics, tailored to fit the 2012 cartoon's setting. Here is the link and summary:

Title: Little Dark Age

Summary: After a devastating defeat by the Shredder during the Kraang invasion, Leonardo is captured and subjected to the dark machinations of the witch Kitsune. Bewitched and scarred, Leonardo is made to believe that the Hamato Clan is the architect of his suffering, convinced they are responsible for years of psychological and physical abuse. When Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo return to New York, they are horrified to find their presumed-dead brother now a vengeful and far more powerful adversary as the chunin of the Foot Clan.

Link 🔗: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57918355/chapters/147434158

Here is the fourth chapter:

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to share my first work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fandom with you! While I am a huge fan of the 2003 iteration, I have chosen to set this story in the 2012 iteration, as it fits best with the storyline I have envisioned. But do not worry—if you enjoy this, I will be posting a story set in the 2003 universe later on, so stay tuned!

This story is a loose adaptation of the City Fall arc from the IDW comics, tailored to fit the 2012 cartoon's setting. Here is the link and summary:

Title: Little Dark Age

Summary: After a devastating defeat by the Shredder during the Kraang invasion, Leonardo is captured and subjected to the dark machinations of the witch Kitsune. Bewitched and scarred, Leonardo is made to believe that the Hamato Clan is the architect of his suffering, convinced they are responsible for years of psychological and physical abuse. When Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo return to New York, they are horrified to find their presumed-dead brother now a vengeful and far more powerful adversary as the chunin of the Foot Clan.

Link 🔗: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57918355/chapters/147434158

Here is the third chapter:

And here is a spoiler without context:

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to share my first work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fandom with you! While I am a huge fan of the 2003 iteration, I have chosen to set this story in the 2012 iteration, as it fits best with the storyline I have envisioned. But do not worry—if you enjoy this, I will be posting a story set in the 2003 universe later on, so stay tuned!

This story is a loose adaptation of the City Fall arc from the IDW comics, tailored to fit the 2012 cartoon's setting. Here is the link and summary:

Title: Little Dark Age

Summary: After a devastating defeat by the Shredder during the Kraang invasion, Leonardo is captured and subjected to the dark machinations of the witch Kitsune. Bewitched and scarred, Leonardo is made to believe that the Hamato Clan is the architect of his suffering, convinced they are responsible for years of psychological and physical abuse. When Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo return to New York, they are horrified to find their presumed-dead brother now a vengeful and far more powerful adversary as the chunin of the Foot Clan.

Link 🔗: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57918355/chapters/147434158

Here is the second chapter, which I had to repost due to an error:

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to share my first work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fandom with you! While I am a huge fan of the 2003 iteration, I have chosen to set this story in the 2012 iteration, as it fits best with the storyline I have envisioned. But do not worry—if you enjoy this, I will be posting a story set in the 2003 universe later on, so stay tuned!

This story is a loose adaptation of the City Fall arc from the IDW comics, tailored to fit the 2012 cartoon's setting. Here is the link and summary:

Title: Little Dark Age

Summary: After a devastating defeat by the Shredder during the Kraang invasion, Leonardo is captured and subjected to the dark machinations of the witch Kitsune. Bewitched and scarred, Leonardo is made to believe that the Hamato Clan is the architect of his suffering, convinced they are responsible for years of psychological and physical abuse. When Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo return to New York, they are horrified to find their presumed-dead brother now a vengeful and far more powerful adversary as the chunin of the Foot Clan.

Link 🔗: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57918355/chapters/147434158

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to share my first work in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fandom with you! While I am a huge fan of the 2003 iteration, I have chosen to set this story in the 2012 iteration, as it fits best with the storyline I have envisioned. But do not worry—if you enjoy this, I will be posting a story set in the 2003 universe later on, so stay tuned!

This story is a loose adaptation of the City Fall arc from the IDW comics, tailored to fit the 2012 cartoon's setting. Here is the link and summary:

Title: Little Dark Age

Summary: After a devastating defeat by the Shredder during the Kraang invasion, Leonardo is captured and subjected to the dark machinations of the witch Kitsune. Bewitched and scarred, Leonardo is made to believe that the Hamato Clan is the architect of his suffering, convinced they are responsible for years of psychological and physical abuse. When Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo return to New York, they are horrified to find their presumed-dead brother now a vengeful and far more powerful adversary as the chunin of the Foot Clan.

Link 🔗: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57918355/chapters/147434158

best scene in the whole show

THEYRE SO MEAN LMFAOOO

HELP THE VCR WARNING

LMFAOOO

HAPPY 10 YEAR 2k12 ANNIVERSARY RAHHHHHHH

bro is FLABBERGASTED. APALLED. ASTONISHED. MINDBLOWN.