VOTE PROLONGED AGONY!

ROTTMNT: SPIRITS WITHIN THE WEAPONS

Masterpost

That's not usual.

Plot: Oda is up alone while everyone is sleeping when Leonardo does something unusual. 

Genre: Fluff/Slight Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Bittersweet, Family-Feels, Original Character, AU/Cannon Compliant

Notes: This was meant to be a much shorter fluff drabble, but it ended up being over 2,000 words. Oh well, this is my first short fic for Spirits Within The Weapons (SWTW). I'm not planning on writing a full fic for SWTW but I am hoping to write quite a few drabble pieces like this. 

I hope you enjoy reading. 

Oda lifted the Odachi in front of his eyes, admiring the sharp blade glistening under the pale blue glow of his ghostly form. Then he frowned. It wasn't perfect. It could still be sharper. He lowered the sword down again and started meticulously running it along the whetstone. Slow, precise, skilful. He repeated this calming action a few more times before lifting the blade to examine it again. His focused expression lifted into a pleased slim grin. It was sharpened to perfection. There wasn't anything this Odachi couldn't cut now. 

If only he could rely on the weapon's wielder to care for the blade himself. But then again, it was Oda's obsessive need to not see the weapon go blunt that made young Leonardo take for granted the need to sharpen it himself. Instead, the turtle found it magically sharpened the next day and never questioned it. In other words, Oda had spoiled Leonardo. He'll probably regret that in the future. But for now, sharpening the Odachi was his favorite pastime while all the others slept. 

Each of the young turtles had turned in for the night, having had a very exciting day of chasing down a magician hippo and the self-imposed "greatest foe of the teenage mutant loser turtles"… a talking worm. Warren Stone and Hypno-Potamus. Warren Stone and Hypno-Potamus. He mustn't take on the habits of the youngsters to forget the names of those that pose a danger—however slim that danger may be— to innocent civilians. Oda was wiser, nobler and more honorable than that to forget anyone's names. Though he will excuse the young turtles for doing so, they were still children after all. 

Fundi on the other hand had no excuse. The spirit occupying the Kusari-Fundo may look and act young, but Oda knew that he was ancient one way or another. He may not have lived long on earth (Oda finds that Fundi turns into a mindset of a young child when he's caught in a flashback of old, old memories), but he has been a spirit for too long not to have matured during that time. Tonfa seems to encourage Fundi's youthfulness though. And Oda doesn't like to disagree with the Tonfas inhibitor. Not because he's currently the size of a huge half-alligator-snapping-turtle-half-human mutant, but because Tonfa has done a lot to help Fundi deal with his flashback episodes. Tonfa knows Fundi. Oda knows Tonfa. And so Oda will trust Tonfa when he says to leave the fiery spirit to live a youthful lifestyle. But that also means Tonfa cannot complain when Oda repremans Fundi for his sometimes too destructive behavior. 

Thankfully both spirits were in a sleep-like state. Being that the spirits don't actually sleep, the closest they can get to such an act is to withdraw back into their weapons and enter a space only the individual can access. Like an inner mind or a dreamscape. It's restful in itself. Peaceful and safe. And it also leaves Oda time alone to mediate, practice his sword-skills and sharpen the blade of the Odachi. 

He was blissfully alone. 

In the rarely silent lair. 

Peaceful.

Relaxing.

Still.

Footsteps.

…?

Footsteps?

Oda turned to look where the soft sounds of footsteps where coming from. If it had been anyone else they probably wouldn't have noticed the slowly approaching sound and could've been unaware of an impending attack. But this was Oda. Oda had honed all his senses to an impeccable level. Oda had also memorized the sounds and scents of all four turtles, their rat-man father and their human friend. 

So even before the culprit behind the footsteps was within sight, Oda knew who it was.

Leonardo plodded into the kitchen unknowingly passing Oda on the way. Usually Oda would've moved fast to put the Odachi back where Leonardo last left it, however, right now he knew there was no need for such haste. The huge black bags under the teenagers eyes, the slump in his shoulders, endless yawning, and defeated aura told Oda all he needed to know. Leonardo's insomnia had gotten the better of him tonight. 

"Oh Leonardo" 

Oda followed his wielder to the kitchen, sitting himself on a stool with his fingers fidgeting restlessly on the table. What he would do to be able to—no, thinking about such wasn't helpful to anyone. He couldn't communicate with nor touch the young turtles in any way, so wishing so would be meaningless. If he so wanted to he could dwell on such later, after Leonardo was better. Leonardo takes priority now. Not that there was anything he could do. 

Although…. He could pick up the Odachi and wave it around to make his presence known. Leonardo would be able to see the weapon flying around the air by itself… and then would probably scream. Oda would effectively be making the child believe he was seeing things in his sleepless state. Frightening the poor thing to death. Then, even if the others did believe Leonardo about a floating Odachi, or even if Oda shows the others by making it float in front of them too, ghost hunters would be called. Donatello would be making anti-spirits weapons. Panic. Fear. More sleepless nights. Oda wouldn't be helping anyone that way. Plus it'll be a terrible first introduction. 

He was overthinking it.

He needed to meditate. 

Clear his head. 

But first Leonardo. 

Usually Leonardo would make himself a cup of tea and either carry it into Donatello's lab to sit and watch his twin work, or sit at the kitchen table drinking it idly and then wander into either Raphael's or Michaelangelo's room and sleep there. Curiously though, tonight, Leonardo decided to make himself a coffee. That's not usual. Then the young turtle stumbled with the hot mug into the living quarters, flicking on the projector to an old Jupiter Jim flick they've all watched a zillion times on an almost silent volume, and slouched comfortably into one of the well-used beanbags. Next, he slipped off his blue mask and sipped the hot coffee, mindless of what was on the screen. Very unusual. 

Oda stood behind Leonardo, one eyeridge raised suspiciously, pondering over what this unusual action meant. Steady a saddened frown formed on his features as he slowly figured out what was going on with his wielder. 

Leonardo was determined not to go back to sleep. Coffee and a film to stay awake instead of tea and the comfort of his brothers to fall asleep. This wasn't just insomnia. This was nightmares. 

Oda knew all too well how disorienting, unnerving and isolating nightmares can be. He couldn't blame the youngster for not wanting to close his eyes for the rest of the night. But to not go to his brothers… that was unusual.

He flicked his gaze over the clock on the wall. The others won't be up for many hours. He knew Leonardo knew this and yet the turtle made no move to wake anyone up. The nightmare must've been about his brothers in some way. The fear of losing them by his mistakes? Of them hating him? Abandonment? Hurt? Guilt? The list was endless. Obviously, Leonardo didn't want his brothers to know about his nightmares. Not yet anyway. That was concerning. 

What could Oda do to help though?

He was an unseeable, untouchable spirit. 

He was…

No, he wasn't useless.

For sure Leonardo would've been much more hurt—or worse— if Oda hadn't been watching his back. 

But right now, while the child was scared and alone, Oda felt useless. 

He settles on sitting on the beanbag next to the young turtle, keeping an eye on him like he always did. Maybe in the still of the lair Leonardo would sense his presence… wishful thinking. 

It was rare for all four brothers to be asleep at the same time. Leonardo usually did stay awake late before going to bed, and, with the help of a few useful methods, his insomnia wasn't as big a problem as it could be. He had plenty of restless nights, sure, he'd gone three days without sleep at one point—Oda would've strangled the young turtle during those nights if he could, or maybe just hug him— but with tea, help from his brothers and ASMR, he had learned ways to overcome a fair few of his restless nights. 

Donatello was the other with sleeping problems. Honestly, if it wasn't for how similar the two can be despite their countless differences, Oda would never have pointed them out as twins. But at least with Donatello it wasn't insomnia keeping him awake. No, it was hyperfixation. His machines. Computers. Ideas. Designs. Plans. Games even. Once the purple-turtle got fixated on something, that was it. Hooked… for days… and nights. Unhealthy so. Okay, so maybe Donatello was worse than Leonardo on that front. At least Leonardo wasn't the one keeping himself awake, his insomnia did that to him. Donatello just didn't want to sleep when something else seemed so much more appealing. 

Miraculously though, Donatello was too knackered to stay awake any longer and welcomed sleep with ease. Wrapped up in an extra soft, weighted blanket. Probably still snoring lightly since the last time Oda did his usual night checks on them all. That's one less person for Oda to think about at least. 

Raphael and Michelangelo were easy when it came to sleep. The pair were diligent in keeping a healthy sleep schedule. They knew the value and importance of sleep, and even if they struggled on some occasions to get to sleep, or nightmares woke them up, they gave themselves a nice breather before trying again. Which usually worked a treat. And if it didn't work, snuggling up with one or more of their siblings always worked.  

So only two out of four were a handful when it came to bedtime. That's not too bad. It could be worse. 

It was worse for Leonardo right now though. 

Hours pass by. Three Jupiter Jim and one Lou Jitsu film later, three cups of coffee, (which is a alot coming from someone who typically did not enjoy coffee much), and half a tub of neapolitan ice cream later and Leonardo was still alone. His brothers will wake up soon enough, but the lair was still deafeningly quiet. At least that's what Leonardo knew.

In reality, halfway through the second film, Fundi and Tonfa woke up. Fundi, determined to get up to his same old antics to annoy Oda, stormed in loudly with a mischievous fire in his eyes. However, the fire quickly dimmed when he spotted Leonardo sitting solely on the beanbag inches away from the huge screen. Oda shushed him and Fundi smirked. 

"It's not like he can hear me, y'know." The Michelangelo look-alike said playfully. 

"Insomnia?" Tonfa mused as he ignored Fundi to sit on a beanbag on the other side of Leonardo. "Wait, no…. Nightmares." He whispered and he hunched up his shoulders. Tonfa may not have any memories before being a spirit, and spirits can't get nightmares, so he doesn't know what nightmares feel like, but he has seen the effects on the brothers. He hates seeing anyone in such pain and torment. It honestly breaks Tonfa's heart to see such a fun-loving, boisterous teenager suffering like this. 

Oda knew the feeling. 

If they could, Oda knows Fundi and Tonfa would've stopped at nothing to help Leonardo, but they couldn't. So they sat with the lonesome teenager hoping he would somehow feel their presence and be somewhat comforted while they all waited for the others to wake up. 

It's the quietest Fundi has been in… years? Decades? Ever? Sadly, this time, quiet wasn't what was needed. 

Not long later, Michelangelo woke up to start breakfast and Leonardo wasted no time barging after the orange brother while tying his mask back on. With his usual playful tone, he bombarded the youngest with a request for pancakes and fruit for breakfast. Oda spotted the quick glance Michelangelo gave Leonardo, head to foot, knowing the observant orange turtle was piecing together what had happened during the night. His eyes flicked to the coffee jar Leonardo had accidently left open on the side. The bags under his eyes. The credits from a film on the big screen.

Michelangelo didn't hesitate to make the pancakes and slice up the fruit. 

Raphael joined not long later and caught on just as quickly. He gave Leonardo the mission to drag Donatello from bed, which he completed quickly by dragging his twin and half the bed sheets into the kitchen moments later. Their father walked in not long after. 

The spirits also joined them in the kitchen for breakfast, just as they usually did. Fundi sat like a cat on top of the kitchen counters—despite how many times Oda has told him not to. Tonfa leaned against the side of the fridge, as far out of the way as he could. And Oda stood in the doorway, watching with a small almost unnoticeable smile as the four brothers and their father chatted away. There was still one of them missing, but that's a problem for another day. 

As he watched, all Oda could think about was that, even if he couldn't do anything to help Leonardo himself, he's thankful that Leonardo had brothers who do care about him. Who notice such small things in him. Who will give Leonardo time before asking questions. And will be patient and understanding when he does talk. 

"He's in good hands," Oda muttered to himself. He choked back a chuckle as the blue-clad turtle flung his pancake like a Frisby at the still half-asleep Donatello only to miss and quickly find a few slices of banana slap him on the face in retaliation. "Back to the usual."

~End~

Reblog if you want your followers to ask you anything they're curious about.

Prolonged Agony just hit 100,000 words!

This is the first time I've written something so long. I am so excited to see how long this fic is going to be by the time I finish it!

Thank you for all those who have read Prolonged Agony so far, without your support I don't think I would've gotten this far.

The male version of the Original Character E.V

Aka: Evan

Prolonged Agony

Chapter 20 uploaded

Happy New Year Everyone!

He slowly adapts to his new environment, re-familiarise himself with things he had long since forgotten

Vote for Prolonged Agony!

@rottmnt-au-summit

[I would've drawn more art for this but I am extreamly busy so this reblog will have to do]

[Click image for better quality]

I drew feral Leo but was unsure about what to do with him so I thought I'd post him as is, with the added bonus of his brothers' reactions.

Below the cut I have expanded upon their feelings. There are spoilers if you haven't read up to the current chapter though.

Mikey:

He took one of Donnie's weapons with a clear goal in mind, though it is unknown what the weapon is and what he intends to do with it. He is serious though, he will not go easy on (Not) Leo.

Afterall he desperately wants Leo back but keeps jumping back and forth over whether or not the mutant turtle they pulled out of the Prison Dimension is really his brother or not.

Maybe Karai can help him answer that?

Raph:

Raph loves Leo so much and nothing will make him happier to get him home. But his family is getting hurt in the process. Leo seems more than reluctant to come home, and he's scared that Leo's now unpredictable and violent nature will get his family hurt or even worst... killed.

He knows it all the results of having been trapped alone with Krang Prime, but he has no idea how to help his brother come back from that.

Maybe going to the EPF will help him figure it out?

Donnie:

He will do anything to get his twin back. He doesn't care how much he gets hurt, but he will not risk hurting Leo more than he already is. He will keep trying to talk with his twin, offer help and support in anyway he can. He's not good with emotions, and is well aware that he's more likely going to mess it up than fix anything, but he will never stop trying.

However he is unsure whether or not being patient and understanding with Leo is helping.

Maybe Leo can help clear his resolve?

Why you should vote for Prolonged Agony:

Leo spends wayyyy too long in the Prison Dimension and it shows.

Mikey is unsure if the person they bought out from the PD really is his brother or an imposter.

Leo is on a mission to destroy every trace of Krang.

Very feral, dangerous and unpredictable Leonardo.

Mikey's gone to find (Not) Leo by himself with an unknown weapon.

Leo blew up a skyscraper.

Donnie spends all his time in Leo's blue hoodies.

Leo is not against attacking his own family.

Full to the brim with angst!!!

@rottmnt-au-summit

End of the movie… or at least it should've been.

The Krang successfully grabbed Leo's leg and pulled him back into the prison dimension. When, unable to keep it open, the portal closes. Locking him in the void with the most malicious creature he's ever met.

Now it's a race against time to bring Leo home. But with each attempt they see Leo deteriorate… and Mikey starts to question whether or not Leo should be allowed out of the prison dimension at all.

[Click image of better quality]

Guy, I really need to see Casey as a red eared slider, GO VOTE DONNIE!

Semifinals

Prolonged Agony Chapter 23!

I decided it was probably about time I worked out a proper timeline, for my own sanity more than anything, since some chapters overlap.

I will update the timeline as the story progresses to avoid spoilers for those who are following along with the fic.

The timeline is rough and might be edited in the future, but as I said, this is mostly to help me keep track of everything lol

Major spoilers below!

Timeline.

Part 1: Getting Leo home.

1st: Canon portal - Divergence starts.

2nd: Directly after first.

3rd: Night time a few hours later - Mikey opens portal alone

4th: Next day - Afternoon - Failed to open

5th: Next day - Afternoon - Leo fights back

Night time: Mikey has Nightmare.

6th: ^ Same night - Mikey and Donnie opne portal alone

Next day - Donnie and Mikey argue 

7th: Next day - Morning - open portal with April and Casey

8th: Directly afterwards - SUCCESS!

Total days = 5 days.

Part 2: Leo is home

Directly after getting Leo home: 

Mikey refuses to see Leo.

April sees Leo's injuries.

April and Mikey talk.

Raph cleans Leo.

Donnie and Casey amputate Leo's arm.

Late afternoon:

Donnie goes to bed and has a nightmare.

Raph takes Donnie to med-bay.

Raph joins Mikey, April and Casey in the kitchen.

Raph, Splinter, Casey and Donnie have lunch in med-bay.

Leo wakes up.

Leo attacks family and portals away.

Total time: Midday to Evening. 

Part 3: Search for Leo + TCRI

(Chapters overlap)

Directly after portaling away:

Late Evening:

Leo portals to TCRI roof.

Leo portals to New Jersey and sleeps all night.

Eight hours later, very early morning:

Family recovers after Leo's attack.

Mikey goes to Draxum.

Donnie wakes up.

Casey goes to meet Cass.

The family starts to plan to search for Leo.

At the same time:

Leo wakes up and basks in the sun.

Donnie and April go to Run of the Mill.

Raph and Splinter talk with Big Mama.

Casey and Cass search along the river.

Mikey and Draxum go to Repo Mantis.

At same time:

Leo portals to the TCRI building and sneaks inside for information.

Donnie and April go to Purple Dragons.

Mikey and Draxum fight Meat Sweats/returns to Repo

Casey and Cass run into Hypno.

Splinter and Big Mama work out a deal.

At the same time:

Leo sets the TCRI building to explode.

Donnie and April fly around.

Mikey texts Todd.

Casey and Cass chat after Hypno.

Splinter and Raph start to leave Big Mama's Hotel.

The TCRI building explodes.

At same time:

Donnie and April see Leo on the roof.

Casey notices an explosion.

Mikey and Draxum hear an explosion.

Splinter and Raph see the explosion.

Then: (in order)

Leo portals away. 

Donnie and April start to fall.

Protal opens to save D& A.

Raph catches D&A as they fall.

Mikey catched the building, slowing its down so that people could get away.

Raph carries Donnie home.

Mikey gets call from Raph

Casey and Cass arrive when things have calmed down.

Raph dropped Donnie off in med-bay

Raph calls Casey.

Total time: roughly 21 hours.

Part 4: Earth Protection Force

Sunset: (few hours after TCRI)

Leo passes out in the forest. 

Mikey leaves home on a journey alone to EPF.

Night: 

Mikey sleeps under the stars. 

Before sunrise next day:

Midday:

Mikey wakes up and continues journey. 

Late morning:

Leo wakes up and finds a pool of water.

Leo enters the EPF building. 

Leo is caught by Krang.

To be updated as I upload chapters

Click image for better quality!

I got bored and decided to play around with colours and stuff for a bit. It wasn't meant to go as far as to create villain versions of the turtle's... but here we are 😄

As far as the eyeliner/lashes goes... I accidently drew a line on Leo's eyes too long and it looked like it was drawing eyeliner on him... surprisingly it looked good so I kept it. Then, after a while, I decided why not give all of them fabulous eyeliner as well!! I went extra for Donnie lol.

Leo turned out the best in my opinion. He was the first one I did and I have have no idea how I made him look so good. I tried to replicate it on the others but somehow it didn't work as well... oh well... hehe

I might add in a background but for now this will do.