It was very late and Leo, Caden and Casey were separated from others. How did that happen? Well, let’s just say no one expected sudden a power outage that led Krang to attack them. But it’s not like they weren’t prepared for circumstances like that. However it seemed Krang, mainly Prime was interested to go after Leonardo. No wonder since Leo wasn’t supposed to be alive. But thanks to his brothers and mainly Caden he was able to pull. Sure, he first have to share Caden’s body for a while, but after good recovering he was able to go back to his own. Which obviously didn’t make Krang happy. So he decide to torture the mutant leader by endangering his precious to his heart. Casey and Caden. Thankfully Leo with help of Tova was able to save them before those monsters could dare to hurt them. They barely escaped. Unfortunately Leo, Caden and Casey got separated from both Tova and the rest of Resistance, including Donnie and Mikey (not Raph as he was…). So now they are wandering around wasteland that was once known as New York, looking for comrades while avoiding Krang hounds lurking everywhere.
Fortunately they found a cave where they could hide for a night. Leo knew it was risky, even Caden said out loud his thought, but he could see the boy is barely holding up and Casey, the poor haven’t slept for hours. And honestly even Leo himself was exhausted even though he won’t want to admit it.
“Are you sure we are safe here?” Caden asked Leonardo once again, looking concerned through tired eyes.
“Safe as we can ever be in this world”, he replied nonchalantly, young turtle looked exasperatedly, “Relax, this place was abandoned for years.”
“… Because this was my home.”
Caden and Casey’s eyes widened as the elder turtle mutant replied. That’s right. This wasn’t an ordinary cave. It was an old remain of sewer system that originally of old home of Hamato Family, before they moved. An old abandoned remains of what left of it after the Shredder’s destruction, another monster given by the Krang. Leo never thought he see this old place. Or what’s left of it. But he didn’t want to dwell on past as he continued.
“Besides you guys, need a rest. Casey is barely holding up, and you, don’t think I didn’t notice those bags under your eyes mister.”
Caden flinched as he knew Leo was right. He was so tired. They’ve been walking and running for hours without a break or enemy to attack them.
“Well what about you? You are just as tired as me,” he fired back.
And true Leo looked exhausted, he could tell he had eye bags too hidden under his blue mask. But the faceman he was, he said;
“I’m fine. Nothing a small nap can fix it. But for now I’m taking watch.”
The young turtle could help but sighed at mentor’s stubbornness. He looked at Casey for help, but the boy didn’t pay attention as he instead was in deep thought, looking worried.
“I just hope Tova is okay,” he said sadly.
Turtles exchanged look worried for boy as the krang pup at the same time. Caden could sympathized as he and Tova had a bond. Leo then approached both him and Casey, putting his hand on latter’s shoulder.
“Hey, Tova will be fine. If that rascal can escape TigerClaw’s wrath after making mess in his bag, then no hound or any monster catch him.
The young boys chuckled recalling how Tova mistook tiger’s bag for toilet. Leo smiled at the sight of his boys looking happy at last... His boys… He shook his head to brush off the thought.
He found a comfortable spot to settle himself leaning his sore back, shell against to crumpled wall as he takes his first watch. What he didn’t participate that Casey and Caden decided to next to him from each his side. He was surprised, but didn’t complain as he adjusted himself to make it comfortable for boys, even using his cape as a blanket for Casey, while adjusting Caden’s cape to cover him as well. Satisfied, they settled for a night, but then elder slider winched and let out yelp as something was poking him on his tail.
The human and young mutant are startled, but Leo assured them he’s fine as he searches the source of his discomfort.
“Ngh, what is it?” he grumbled as he finally something smooth yet hard and pulled out. It was a rock with a slightly pale stripe.
However Leo’s eyes widened in recognition.
“My lucky rock. Heh, never though I see this ever again,” he chuckled, but Caden and Casey looked at him confused.
“Lucky rock? Seriously?” the young turtle asked him in disbelief.
“Does it actually work?” the boy however asked in wonder.
“Nah,” Leo replied. “That was just an idea I made up long ago, to believe in that mojo or whatever. I mean if luck was real, we wouldn’t live in this world,” he said bitterly. Then again this my fault the world is like this, he added in thought. If he wasn’t irresponsible selfish idiot back then, none this would happen. His home would still be there, his father will be alive, his brother-
“What are we gonna do once the war is over?“ A quiet voice suddenly interrupted Leo’s trail of thoughts, leaving a little confused.
“Huh?” He finally acknowledged that it came from Caden, who looked at him worried as he asked again.
“I mean, what’s next after the Krang are gone?”
Leo was a little unprepared, but nevertheless he gave a half answer.
“Uhm, I was thinking of grabbing a slice and then just… live, I guess.
“We just have adapt, like always,” he answered a bit unsure as kept staring at his lucky rock. Maybe back then he would be certain, but the war with Krang continued years and he wasn’t sure if things could go back the way it was before. Not for him. Not when few of people he loved are gone.
Casey looked at Master Leonardo and Caden in concern. Sensei looked sad and Caden looked guilty and scared as he was regretting asking. He didn’t like his mentor and his friend upset like. Then an idea crossed his mind.
“What does Krang wear to the beach?“ He asked suddenly catching both turtles
Caden just shrugged having no idea, while Leo only answered;
“I don’t know. What does Krang wear to the beach?”
“A brain-kini.” Casey replied.
The turtles’ eyes widened at the absurd response. No one said a word, until let out a small laughter and Caden’s face was betrayed by a smile. Casey felt triumphant as he tried one last attempt.
“And do you know why Krang hate baths?”
Leo looked like he was in deep thought until he gave up.
“They hate to be freshly brainwashed.”
Leo chuckled once. Caden smiled fondly seeing Leonardo like that. However his smile didn’t last long and was replaced with frown.
“What if the Krang appears while we’re all asleep?” He couldn’t help but ask him as that thought crossed his mind. Even Casey couldn’t help but looked concerned too.
Leo was in deep thought, but it didn’t last long as he answered.
“All night?” He asked skeptically and still worried, like a scared child instead a young warrior.
Leo just smiled and protectively wrapped his arms around him and Casey.
“All night.” He said. Feeling safe and ease, the exhaustion finally caught upon them as Caden and Casey fell asleep while Leo kept an eye.
Leo once again looked at the rock, a remnant of his long lost childhood and then looked at boys. He realized he didn’t need a lucky rock and the world changed. But if there’s one thing he found lucky about it, was the chance to meet these boys. His boys. And he will do anything to give them a better future. Without fear, without burden, with happiness. And it that moment he threw the rock and fully embraced the sleeping boys he cherished.
The lucky rock long forgotten fell at the bottom, next to an old familiar drawing of certain family. As it was saying the luck is on their side. That they’re not alone.
September 14th 1947 - July 13th 2026
An actor who was known for many roles, but mainly as Alan Grant from Jurassic Park/World franchise. We all gonna miss you Dino Man. You’re the reason while we love movies and dinosaurs. Thank you for everything you did for us.
I made this story in his honor and I specifically choose this scene, because it felt right. Also the jokes were provided by me and @sweepclean (thanks for the help). I do love other scenes with dinosaurs and Malcom witty moments, but the tree scene was something I always found a comfort. It was like a lullaby that made you safe. It was a moment where Alan Grant really went through a change. Just like how Leo went through his change. From guy who wasn’t fond of kids, to a parental figure you feel safe.
Thank you Sam (Alan) for this journey. We are gonna miss you, but we never forget you.
STOOOOP THIS WAS CUTE I MISS CADEN CONTENT SO BAD UGHH I NEED TO LOCK IN ONE DAY AND DO STUFF WITH HIM
god I love the emotion you captured with these three. And TOVA MY BABY BOY HE IS LOST AND CADEN NEEDS HIS THERAPY KRANG HOUND WITH HIIIM
Also rip Sam. Grew up watching Jurassic Park. He is a legend that will be missed and remembered.
