#nightwatcherraph

[emeraldhonour]

So, @nightwatcherraph and I were just talking about the scene in The Ancient One where Leo says what food he has packed for his trip:

And something stuck out to us.

Trail mix. Dried fruit. Peanut butter. They're all practical choices for someone going on a long hike. Very Leo.

But then there's the chocolate.

Still a practical choice - good in moderation for a quick energy boost.

But this is also the tail end of Leo's super serious arc. Chocolate seems like a treat he wouldn't see himself 'deserving'. I struggle to see Leo packing something so indulgent for himself.

So, that begs the question: who did pack it? Maybe one of his family snuck the chocolate in to his bag?

Just imagine:

Leo's just been told by Splinter that he's sending him away to another Sensei in Japan. His brothers were eavesdropping on the conversation, so they know too. Leo's in his room packing his bags.

His family are all on edge and unsure what to do or say. Leo's been "brooding, surly, and stubborn" as Splinter pointed out. And he just lashed out and wounded their father! No one knows what to do or say to him anymore.

They all gather in the main area of the lair as Leo emerges.

Don tries to hug him. Leo doesn't shrug him off, but he isn't receptive to the hug, either. It's cold and stiff, and Don withdraws self consciously.

Raph is crossing his arms and glaring at the wall. He's still mad at Leo for losing control and hurting Splinter. Anger and fear and confusion are churning silently within him.

Splinter puts a hand on Leo's arm. For a moment, Leo almost softens. But then they blink, and it's gone. They're both hurting too much to say anything.

Mikey doesn't know what to do. He can't talk to Leo. He can't hug him. All he wants is his oldest brother to put a reassuring hand on his shell and tell him everything will be OK.

But that's not going to happen.

As Leo makes for the exit to go to the docks, Mikey stealthily slips a small sweet treat into Leo's bag. Something that says "We still love you. Come home safe."

Bonus:

Leo's successfully snuck onto a cargo ship to Japan. As he's tucked away in the storage area, he begins to unpack the few things he brought for the multiple days he'll be at sea.

Something catches his eye. He pauses. He definitely didn't pack that. He reaches in and draws out a small bar of chocolate.

Mikey.

The tiniest flicker of warmth ignites in Leo's icy chest. He's not yet ready to smile again, but something familiar stirs deep within his gut

[side-shuffling-hyperfixations]

I was wondering I know Don protecting a poisoned Leo was an important moment so was Leo making a deal with bishop for a cure for Don. But that begs the question did Raph and Mikey have important moments like that? I don’t remember if they did but I do know there’s lots of Raph protecting Don or Leo I definitely know Leo protected Raph when he got paralyzed not sure if Don protected Raph tho? I can’t remember I just remember Raph doing the most protecting instead of being protected.

Yeah, Raph does a lot of the protecting because the show didn't whump him enough RIP :'D I too am currently drawing a blank on moments of Don protecting Raph but I'm sure the brains-and-brawn aficionados should be able to remember something. Anyone want to chime in on this post with a reminder?

[alligatorcarapace]

What’s your general opinion on 03 Raph and Leo’s dynamic

Oh easy; they're amazing

I love 2003's dynamic for Leo and Raph becuase they sure they fit the Lancer Archetype, they are so much more than just yin and yang. They're clearly best friends who constantly rely on each other.

Outside of the City at War arc and that one throw away line about Leo and Raph arguing they just click together so much. It honestly shows how the writers were still trying to get their standing with the show's writing to think these two would ever have the redvblue rivalry that other versions of them have. Of course they still manage to lightly include it in Tales of Leo where the rivarly is shown to be a one-sided thing of immaturity and Leo's not really into it.

Heck even in those early seasons they understand each other such as in Lone Raph and Cub where when Raph is seething and stressed due to Splinter not being there, Leo tells him to go to the surface and blow off some steam. Adding that he might find something.

Rather than admonishing him, instead Leo knows Raph needs a place to put his energy while also giving Raph something more lighter alongside of this.

Really the only time we see Leo doing anything but this positive style approach when it comes to Raph's emotions is during time like the search for Splinter where he reminded Raph to keep a lid on it becuase well, brutalizing a carjacker is not helping the mission. And when Leo's in mission mode that's what he's focused on. It's part of what makes him a good leader and brother is helping direct his brother's energy towards more productive pursuits rather than lashing out at less than ideal targets.

This favor is later returned in that previously mentioned Tales of Leo.

While sure Raph starts out with his external tough guy persona, taunting Leo as if he hopes it will wake him up so they can fight, but by the end of the tale Raph is so overwhelmed by emotions he has a hard time articulating his thoughts and even understanding his emotions. Which says a lot seeing as Raph seems to be the one who understands emotions the most(of course self-awareness does not automatically mean anything besides getting fed up that you can't rationalize you're way out of feeling things. You still have to feel, even if you understand what your emotions are trying to signal).

They're not opposing forces, they're complementary instead

Shout out to the moment in the forest's of D'Hoonnib, when Leo's having his space forest breakdown it's Raph who's the proactive one, already reassuring Leo that things will work out, with Mikey soon following suit. I am not illustating a point here, I just really like that moment. Though looking at the Mirage comics does make me sad it was not kept as a Donny moment, but I suppose that doesn't fit the characterization of 03 Donny. Despite going Through The Horrors, somehow my man does not have chronic anxiety like Leo(Interestingly instead Donny get's more reckless and impulsive as the series goes on, such as him jumping in with April to save her uncle even though SAINW was just last season. But my Donny and Leo become more like season 1 Raph while Raph becomes more like season 1 Leo is a theory for another day as I am not fully confident in it)

I think the best demonstration of their dynamic is these previously mentioned season 1 stuff but also their season 4 stuff. It kinda shows how the other interacts with them at their angriest(No I am not touching City at War again, that's not them at peak rage, that's them being stubbornly moral, which is different. Unlike the writers, I am not about to tell you what is the correct choice for the troly problem. The only thing I will note is after this they never have any similar style argument about this until Dna is Thicker than water and even then they don't really fight the same way. Instead it's just a light acknowledgement of their different views. Of course FF is where the Flanderization for Raph and Mikey begins due to the corporates mandated tone shift, so I am hesitant to fully look into that for this post).

The common theme is having patience and empathy towards the other in the anger and rage. Sure they may show it differently with Leo having a cool but long rage while Raph's a hot but fast rage that will have repeat explosions during stress rather than one very tense and intense build up, but they both have that similar passion with in them.

Giving each other room for their anger, letting them feel it without shame. Helping direct their energy towards a new outlet.

Look at how Raph did exactly that for Leo by letting him 1v1 rat king. And I've already talked about Leo doing the same for Raph in season 1.

So of course after the big explosion that leads to Leo being sent to ninja therapy, who's the first Leo goes looking for? Raph.

Instantly they both give each other reports on how the other's doing, both physically and emotionally. From there working together to find a new shelter and bring everyone back. When this happens Raph's tough guy person kicks in for everyone else. But he didn't have it up with Leo. There's a trust of emotional vulnerably there that's rarely seen else where in the series.

As I keep saying, they're best friends. Sure there's a little friendly rivarly here and there, but for the most part it's Raph poking fun[read: masking his worry] at Leo's perfectionism.

They both have this deep need to worry and protect the other and it shows through out the show. Like all the brothers they have this inherit trust, with that being part of why the Shredder was able to just brutalize Leo for a whole night on the rooftops, an in turn why Leo felt it would be Raph who was taking care of the rest of his family when he could not find them.

Of course this protects also extends emotionally, with Raph's rage at Leo's treatment from the Ninja Tribunal being at full front. Because he knows Leo would just take. That turtle seemingly only rises to Raph's taunts, not people who he see's as being more experienced and powerful. In turn Leo tries to protect Raph from himself, helping pull him back before he hurts Mikey in Meet Case Jones, knowing that Raph will hate himself for it, that and he was protecting Mikey but that's not who this post was about.(I can't think of any time per say Leo protects Raph socially, becuase Leo keeps reading as having introverted autistic swag. Man is not interested in hanging out with anyone but his brothers, even April he's a bit hesitant for. Unless it's someone he knows well, or it's related directly to battle, plans or action, he tends to hang out in the back of things. Raph meanwhile is super socially graceful and doesn't end up in situations where he needs such protecting.)

So over am in love with this dynamic. They are each other's pillars, they are brothers through and through. Pushing and pulling, always having a level of unbreakable confidence in the other while still being aware of their weaknesses and thus trying to step up and cover for them.

Truely the most turtles ever.

[emeraldhazeart]

Oh hey thank you for following XD I am curious since you like tmnt 03 and Leo is your favorite I was wondering what’s your opinion on Raph how do you feel about him?

Hiya. Thank you so much for your ask 💚

Oh stars, I love all the 03 boys! Every one of them is just perfect, as far as I'm concerned. They will always be the version of the turtles, for me. 😅

This got long, so I've put it below a Read more 😅

I must admit, though, I didn't really vibe with Raph when I was growing up. You're right: Leo is my favourite, but in terms of personality, I'm much more like Donnie. So, I found it difficult to connect with the brash, "count on [him] to throw the first punch" Raphael.

That said, I've really grown to appreciate Raph as I've gotten older. Fanfic is always a powerful empathising tool for putting you into the mind of a character you might not have otherwise gelled with, and there are so many fantastic explorations of his character out there!

In addition, I guess my own worldview has evolved as I've grown wiser. So now, I'm much better able to see his hot headed temperament and gruff exterior for what they really are: Ralph's own unique way of expressing his love for his family.

I love how he's the Red Oni to Leo's Blue. I love how they're two sides of the same coin. I love how they each take up the mantle of the Responsible One™️ when the other is going through it. I love how there's no denying they love each other as brothers, even when they're at each other's throat.

I love how considerate he is of Donnie. I love how they've got this unique bond where they can come together and talk machines as equals. I can definitely see why they're often portrayed as twins in fanon.

I love how clearly the push and pull between him and Mikey is a way they show they care about each other. I love how ready Raph is to give Mikey outlets, even if he hides it beneath a frustrated growl and a slap on the back of the head.

I love how he seeks out Splinter for guidance in the rare moments when he's lost. I love how you can tell his Dad means so much to him, even if Raph will only ever say so through actions rather than words.

I love how Raph is always the first to jump to any of his brothers' aid. I love how it's clear that, even though he may talk tough, at the end of the day, his family is the most important thing in the world to him, and he's not afraid to show it. I love how his Number 1 priority is always and forever to his family.

(I know that seems a bit redundant - they'd all put their family first. But I feel like Raph is perhaps the only one that would choose to save his brother's over the rest of the world.

Leo would be bound by honour to do the Right Thing, Mikey's compassion wouldn't let him save his brothers over an innocent, and Donnie would be forced to choose the most logical option. None of them would like it, but they'd all feel compelled to act for The Greater Good, even if it meant sacrificing their family.

But Raph? I honestly can't see him making any other choice but his brothers. Sure, he'd lay down his life for them in a heartbeat, but to paraphrase the words of Amy Rose in Sonic 06, if Raph had to choose between the world or his brothers, he'd choose his brothers.

And I don't mean that in a negative way. It's an impossible Trolley Problem choice, and there are no right answers. I don't think Raph is any less noble for making the "selfish" choice. If anything, I respect him more because he would make that choice, and he'd defend it to the end.)

Wow, that got long, sorry 😅 I didn't realise I had that much to say about Raph. Then again, that's the beauty of the 03 turtles for you: they're such goldmines of exploration and characterisation 💚

[noodletoodledoodles]

I feel like Leo and Raph have a ride or die type thing going on.

Oh I mean, yeah. For sure.

Like, I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth bro, but by god I will be complaining the whole time

Like, if I’m going to die out here you better hell be right next to me

Like,

… y’know?

[septic-dr-schneep]

What inspired your username? And does it have any connections to any character?

I created this blog while I hyperfixated on JackSepticEye (the Youtuber) and the Alter Ego characters he created for his videos. My favorite of those characters is Dr. Henrik von Schneeplestein, nicknamed "Schneep" -- hence my username "septic-dr-schneep" :D

[kobbers]

Hey there! Since you are a Leo fan I wanted to ask. What’s your opinion on Raph? I mean in general but I will say for 12 07 and 03 since those ass my favs.

In general? I love Raph. His archetypal role tends to be one of my least favorites in ensemble casts: impulsive, moody bad boys tend to get on my nerves. I simply don't find their angst and lack of self control Cool or Relatable, no matter how tragic their past is to justify their antisocial behavior.

Raph's frustration, however, comes from a place I can easily sympathize with - his family is on their own and in constant danger. You often get the feeling that he'd like to be part of society in some way, but he can't and that's stifling! The result is a core drive to protect the small circle of family and friends he does have, no matter the cost.

Though the human world is too dangerous to interact with openly, Raph still sees humans as fellow People, and will readily intervene on their behalf. He leaps boldly into action in part because he worries that indecision and delay will give the enemy more time to cause harm (of course, he also finds combat fun and fulfilling, which may occasionally get him into trouble). He may grumble and complain, but at his core Raph is a helper.

My favorite versions of Raph are the ones where he and Leo are almost too similar underneath their wildly different demeanors. Their conflicts usually come down to how they want to approach their goal, not on which goal to approach.

In fact, there's an argument to be made that in D&D terms, my ideal Raph and Leo could both be cast as paladins, with Leo as Oath of Devotion (focused on honor and protecting the innocent) and Raph as Oath of Vengeance (focused on justice and punishing the wicked). Mirage Raph, on the other hand, is 100% a barbarian. So I mean, there's a range of viable interpretations, and the character can be well-written anywhere within it. It's just that the more selfish Raph is, the less I will connect with him.

2003

I thought Blue Swords Guy was the coolest turtle as a toddler, and when I started watching 2k3 as a teenager, my general preference for straightforward paragon types led me quickly back to Leo. I liked Raph the least almost instinctively, purely based on role. But the show won me over on every single brother, and I couldn't even begin to rank a least favorite anymore. Even at his worst early in the show, Raph is just struggling with impulse control rather than relishing violence or being contrary for its own sake. Sometimes he might enter a fight too early or resist retreat, but he rarely enters a fight unnecessarily. He might hide his squishier emotions, but he clearly still feels them. It lays down that core of Raph-as-protector that softens him from his more troubled, bloodthirsty Mirage counterpart. A good bean, 10/10 favorite Raph, heavily influences what I want to see from the character in general.

2007

The general vibes of this movie are similar to 2k3, which is why it sometimes surprises people that it's supposed to be in the live action film continuity as a sort of TMNT 4.

It's weird as a whole though, because Raph was the director's favorite turtle and it shows - Leo makes a poor foil because he is simply written to be wrong (I HATE his "I'm better than you" line for many reasons, heheh). But in terms of how Raph reacts to everything the story throws at him, it all rings true to character. He's my favorite character in this movie kind of by default, because Leo and Splinter are ~off~ and Mike and Don are mostly just on quip duty. But that doesn't change that Raph's still legitimately solid.

2012

Honestly can't say much about this version - I only made it a season into this show due to general annoyances I had with the writing. I remember liking Sean Astin's vocal performance, at least. And I remember digging the premise of that one episode where Raph tries to be the leader and finds that he's way more comfortable acting on plans than making them.

[dreamstormdragon]

03 raph for the ask game

3: My Non-Romantic OTP For this Character

For 2003 Raphael!

My favorite friendship, for 2003 Raph is his friendship with Casey. These two are each other's ride or die friendship.

Raph and Casey will always go to bat LITERALLY with each other.

They also help each other, ironically mellow out. When they first meet each other, they're at their most tense in that moment, but as the series goes on, Casey is just part of the family. He's not afraid to tell Raph what he NEEDS to hear, not what he wants to hear and vice versa. There's no need for sparing their feelings, they can handle it. And I love that. Cause let's remember: At any point, Casey would've after EVERYTHING they've been through, been 100% in the right to walk away.

And he didn't.

You only risk your life and limb for family and Raph and Casey's friendship/bond as brother figures to each other is AMAZING.

Also, Raph is Casey's wingman, let's be real.

He basically went: "I am trusting you, with my sister DO NOT SCREW THIS UP!" when it came to April.

Casey's farmhouse is his second home, it's just as important as the Lair.

I was rewatching The Monster Hunter the other night and just... aahh.. Farmhouse arc episodes are always so good.

So yeah, there's my thoughts. Thank you!

(From this ask game )