Chapter Text
*RISE OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE MOVIE (2022)*
In a post-apocalyptic future, we hear two people panting heavily, one of them clutching their abdomen while the other is carrying their weight, running as fast as they can.
[MIKEY]: (peering closer) Wait a sec…where is this?
[DONNIE]: (contemplating) Perhaps another universe? Or timeline?
[MIKEY]: (frowning) Aren’t those two basically the same thing?
[DONNIE]: (shaking head) Nope. Universes and realities coexist with each other, expanding and collapsing according their individual laws of physics, whether they’re exactly the same or completely different. Whereas alternate or divergent timelines branch off from one singleuniverse.
[LEO]: (snorting) Good to know, Dorkatello.
[DONNIE]: (smirking) I try my best, my intellectually inferior twin brother.
[LEO]: (mock gasp) Ouch.
[DONNIE]: (knowingly) Hard to accept the truth, isn’t it?
[LEO]: (eye roll) Whatever.
[RAPH]: (hissing) Guys! Focus.
[TURTLES]: (murmuring) Sorry.
[CASEY II]: (promising) I got you, sensei. Stay with me.
[LEO]: (pointing at screen) Who’s that?
[MIKEY]: (confused) And why’s he calling you ‘sensei’?
[LEO]: (shrugging) Dunno. (facing Donatello) Any guesses, Donnie?
[DONNIE]: (pouting in confusion) No idea. Raph?
[RAPH]: (also shrugging) Beats me. Mikey?
[MIKEY]: (lowering eyebrows) Never seen him before. (turning to April and Splinter) What about you guys?
[APRIL]: (shaking head) Nuh uh.
[SPLINTER]: (honestly) Not a clue.
[LEO]: (sighing) Oh well. Guess we’ll have to find out then.
But more importantly, who is he talking to? Donnie wondered.
[LEONARDO]: (weak smile) You’re a lifesaver, Casey Jones.
[OTHER TURTLES]: (gawking) Leo??
[LEO]: (sheepishly yet also confused) Surprise…?
[RAPH]: (awkwardly) You’re…older.
[LEO]: (sarcastically) Wow, I didn’t realize that, thanks.
[DONNIE]: (holding up index finger) You’re much older—most likely approaching forty.
[LEO]: (cringing) Urgh…forty?? Man, I’m old.
[SPLINTER]: (glaring at him) Watch it, Blue. I’m right here.
[LEO]: (nonchalantly) So?
[SPLINTER]: (offended) So??
[APRIL]: (catching their attention) Guys!
[MIKEY]: (observing closely) Wait a minute—what happened to your arm?
[DONNIE]: (gasping in realization) Oh my god! You have—you have Raph’s arm! That means your right arm was amputated!
[LEO & RAPH]: (gaping) What??
[LEO]: (staring at Raphael) How come I have your arm?
[RAPH]: (exclaiming) How am I supposed to know?!
[DONNIE]: (gravely) I think I know.
[EVERYONE ELSE]: (curiously) What?
[DONNIE]: (grimacing) I’d—rather not say it.
Deep down, Donatello knew it meant one thing—either his post-apocalyptic red-clad brother had gone MIA, or he was…he was…
Dead.
No…no, Donnie refused to think about it—because it was his worst nightmare. Losing his own brothers was unimaginable—unfathomable. He didn’t wanna think about it for one second, because otherwise he’d be forced to accept that somewhere in the multiverse, or in a branched timeline—it was a reality.
[CASEY II]: (smiling softly) I learned from the best. (explosions continue) Come on, we’re almost there.
Suddenly, the spiny softshell had another mournful realization—his alternate future self was alsoa corpse in the midst of the vicious never-ending battle onscreen. But he and Raph weren’t the only ones. So were April and Splinter, and their dead bodies were literally displayed on the screen for a split second.
[DONNIE]: (quietly) Shit…
The time period says ‘New York, 2044’.
[AUDIENCE]: (perplexed) 2044??
[DONNIE]: (softly) Knew it.
[LEO]: (disappointed) So I really am forty, huh?
[DONNIE]: (stifled laughter) Oh yeah.
[LEO]: (hissing) Fuck!
[SPLINTER]: (warningly) Language, Blue.
[LEO]: (retaliating) Oh what? You swear at least ten times a day.
[SPLINTER]: (huffing) Well I’m an adult, so I have a valid excuse—whereas you are still I child.
[LEO]: (scoffing) I’m sixteen! Teenagers swear all the time.
[RAPH & APRIL]: (annoyed) Guys!
[LEO & SPLINTER]: (innocently) What?
All of a sudden, they both dodge attacks from a powerful levitating source, only to be saved by...
[MICHELANGELO]: (shouting) Bad doggies!
[OTHER TURTLES]: (astounded) Mikey??
[MIKEY]: (gleefully) Oh my gosh! I’m a mystic warrior! That’s so cool!
[DONNIE]: (giving Mikey a noogie) It sure is, little brother.
[MIKEY]: (beaming) Aw, thanks D!
[DONNIE]: (smiling) No problemo, Michael.
The ornate box turtle was well-aware that he and his brothers had an immense amount of mystic potential, but to this degree? It was an extraordinary sight. The youngest terrapin also wondered if his brothers were able to channel their own mystic powers at an expert level.
He utilizes mystical whips and chains, which surround him, impressing the duo.
[LEO]: (breathtaken) Awesome!
[RAPH]: (proudly) Amazing!
[DONNIE]: (genuinely) You truly are something else, little brother.
[MIKEY]: (gloating playfully) Wow! Two compliments in one day! Take that, Leo and Raph!
[LEO]: (snorting) That’s ‘cause you’re obviously Donnie’s favorite.
[DONNIE]: (exhaling) You’re not wrong, Nardo.
This earned a side-hug from the self-proclaimed artist of the family, which Donatello rarely accepted from anyone else, but gladly reciprocated since it initially came from his baby brother. In other words, yes—Donnie had a designated soft spot for Mikey. ‘Nuff said.
[LEO]: (lopsided smile) Normally I’d be offended—but then again, you’re not my favorite either, so…
[DONNIE]: (announcing) Finally something we can agree on.
[RAPH]: (rolling eyes) Good to know. Now let’s focus.
[LEONARDO]: Impeccable timing, little brother. Very dramatic.
[APRIL]: (huffing) Of course you’d say that.
[SPLINTER]: (shaking head amusedly) My son…
[LEO]: (stating) Hey—Mikey earned it.
[MIKEY]: (hugging him tightly) Aw! Thanks Leo!
[LEO]: (genuine smile) You’re welcome. (hoping) That means I’m still your favorite brother, right?
[MIKEY]: (higher-pitched voice) Uh huh.
[LEO]: (frowning) Wait—why did you hesitate?
[MIKEY]: (hastily) No reason! Let’s just focus on the screen, shall we?
[LEO]: (suspiciously) Okay…?
Future Michelangelo seems to have an outfit similar to Doctor Strange, but it’s orange instead of blue and red, plus he doesn’t have a signature goatee. Mikey then decimates more robots by causing a custom explosion.
[MIKEY]: (celebrating) I have hair too? Aw man! This is my lucky day!
[LEO]: (envious) Yep…you sure do, Angelo.
[DONNIE]: (devious smirk) What’s the matter, Leo? Jealous?
[LEO]: (denying) No!
[RAPH & APRIL]: (fake coughing) Liar.
[LEO]: (grumbling) Shut up.
Meanwhile, Casey II and Leo settle down on a pile of rocks and decaying skulls, the latter grunting in pain as Mikey hovers over to see what happened.
[RAPH]: (concerned) Leo?
[MIKEY]: (also worried) What’s goin’ on?
[SPLINTER]: (serious demeanor) I don’t know, my sons—but something is definitelywrong.
[DONNIE]: (frowning sadly) You’re hurt…
[LEO]: (surprised) I am? Where?
Their brothers were desperate to know as well.
[CASEY II]: (worried) Help him, Michelangelo. He’s hurt bad.
[DONNIE]: (confused frown) What does he mean by…?
Future Leonardo removes his red-stained hand from his stomach, realizing he’s heavily wounded as the trio witnesses the remaining robots cause more destruction.
[RAPH]: (squeezing offscreen Leonardo’s hand) Oh no…you need a hospital, stat!
[DONNIE]: (fighting urge to vomit) Ditto.
Mikey whimpered silently without uttering a single word, while April and Splinter’s jaws dropped in shock, also speechless.
[LEO]: (wincing in pain) Ow! Raph, stop squeezing so hard. You’re gonna break my bones!
[RAPH]: (releasing grip apologetically) Oops—sorry.
[LEO]: (rubbing pressured hand gently) Just—be careful next time.
[RAPH]: (admitting) I know…but you’re hurt, and I’m not there to protect you, so…
[LEO]: (solemnly) It’s okay, Raph. I’ll manage—I promise.
[RAPH]: (narrowing eyebrows) You better.
[LEONARDO]: (defeatedly) That’s it—the resistance failed. The Kraang won. (hoping) But—but it isn’t over. (smiling) We’ve still got a ninja’s greatest weapon...hope. (facing Mikey) That and a badass mystic warrior. (pausing before continuing) Mikey—we need a time gateway.
[MIKEY]: (loudly) Time gateway??
[DONNIE]: (fascinated) So time travel does exist…
[EVERYONE ELSE]: (blinking rapidly) Whoa…
[MICHELANGELO]: (concerned) It’ll take everything I have.
[DONNIE]: (freaking out) Wait wait wait…what does that mean? ‘Everything you have’? (shaking Mikey’s frame frantically, gesturing to screen) What is future you talking about?
[MIKEY]: (tentatively) I—I don’t know! I…I don’t…
[DONNIE]: (hitched gasp, realizing) It better not be what I think it is.
No—Mikey is not gonna risk his own life in order to change the past. He’s not and that’s final.
[DONNIE]: (praying fearfully while whispering) I swear to god…
[LEO]: (apprehensively) What are you talking about?
[RAPH]: (also worried sick) Why? What’s gonna happen?
[LEONARDO]: (regretfully) I know—but this is our last chance. It’s our only chance.
[DONNIE]: (mentally anguished) If you’re suggesting what I think you’re suggesting—I’m gonna fucking kill you, Leonardo. There has to be another way.
[LEO]: (begging) I have no idea what you’re talking about, D. Just tell me, please.
[DONNIE]: (gritted teeth) I can’t.
[LEO]: (frustrated) Why not?!
[DONNIE]: (lashing out) You damn well know why!
[LEO]: (also shouting) No I don’t!
[RAPH]: (scolding them) Guys! Stop it!
[SPLINTER]: (delicately) You must calm yourselves, my sons. Whatever happens, I’m sure we will find out soon.
The twins avoided each other’s gaze in response, arms crossed. Regardless, they obeyed their father’s orders and continued watching.
His brother finally agrees and floats away, confusing the teenager.
[CASEY II]: Wait, what’s going on? Where is he going?
[DONNIE]: (voice trembling) A suicide mission. What else?
[RAPH]: (shocked) W-What?
[LEO]: (paling) Suicide mission??
[MIKEY]: (conflicted) I…I guess if it’s for the greater good —
Donatello refused to hear it as he knelt down in front of his baby brother/best friend in the whole wide world, grabbing both arms with a stern expression plastered on his face.
[DONNIE]: (firmly) Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Michelangelo! No world-saving plan is worth losing you!
[MIKEY]: But —
[DONNIE]: But nothing.
[RAPH]: (nodding) He’s right, Mikey. Please don’t do this.
[LEO]: (guiltily) I—no, this can’t be happening.
[DONNIE]: (returning to his own seat, snarkily) Yeah, I wonder why that is.
[LEO]: (defensively) That’s future me’s fault!
[DONNIE]: (agreeing) Exactly.
[LEO]: (pointing at himself) Not mine! This didn’t even happen yet!
[DONNIE]: (frankly) Yeah…I know.
[LEO]: (demanding) Then why are you mad at me? I would never suggest what he did!
[DONNIE]: (confessing) Because it’s bad enough that Raph and I are gone, and so are April and Dad, but now Mikey too?! Who’s next then? This Casey kid? You?!
[LEO]: (yelling) I don’t know!!
[SPLINTER]: (barking) Boys! That’s enough!
The twins slumped in their own chairs, blinking back tears of frustration.
[LEONARDO]: (determined) Casey, listen...
[DONNIE]: (begging) Leo…please don’t do this. Please don’t make Mikey do this.
[MIKEY]: (countering) But what if it’s my choice? You really believe Leo wants this, D? ‘Cause guess what—he doesn’t. I’d do it either way.
[DONNIE]: (arguing) I never said he wanted to! None of us wanted this, Mike!
[LEO]: (somberly) I swear, Donnie. I would never—I would never tell Mikey to sacrifice himself.
[RAPH]: (agreeing) Leo’s right, Don. No matter what, we’re brothers. That means we’ll always try to protect each other. And that suggestion would be a last resort.
[DONNIE]: (gripping Mikey’s arm, shakily) It better be.
Future Michelangelo bends his knees slight and spins around in a circle, generating electricity in his hands plus a fiery ring near his feet to help him focus as Leo begins to explain what’s happening.
Despite being touch-averse, Donatello brought Michelangelo into his arms, afraid to let go anytime soon. Raphael and Leonardo noticed this and desired to join their group hug, but Splinter reminded them that his genius son was the one who yearned for the most reassurance.
Have patience, my sons.
[LEONARDO]: The Kraang first came to our planet through a mystic doorway. (shows his pupil an old family photo, flipping it upside down, drawing description) The key that opened the doorway looked like this.
[DONNIE]: (still embracing Mikey) A cylinder…interesting.
[MIKEY]: (melting into the hug) I didn’t know a cylinder could be used as a key.
[DONNIE]: (explaining) Keys can take various forms and shapes—including geometric ones such as cylinders.
[MIKEY]: (amazed) Wow…
[LEO]: (eye roll) Hooray, geometry…
His twin growled softly in response.
[RAPH]: (eyeing his brothers) Guys.
[LEO]: (pointing at Donatello, mumbling) He started it…
He gives Casey II the photo.
[APRIL]: (commenting) Aw, that’s sweet.
[CASEY II]: (confused) Why are you telling me this?
[RAPH]: (wondering) Actually, I wanna know this too. Why just Casey? (facing Leonardo) Aren’t you gonna go with him?
[LEO]: (irritably) Stop assuming I have all the answers, Raph. This didn’t happen yet.
[RAPH]: (hands up in surrender) I’m just askin’.
[LEONARDO]: (elaborating) Because Mikey’s about to send you back in time to the day that the key was stolen.
[DONNIE]: (cursing under breath) Fuck!
[SPLINTER]: (heavy sigh) You know what? I give up. Swear like sailors if you must.
[LEO]: (relieved) Thank you.
[SPLINTER]: (rolling eyes) But not 24/7.
[RAPH]: (promising) We’ll try not to, Pops.
[LEO]: (grinning) No promises though.
[CASEY II]: (eyes bulging) Wait, he’s gonna what??
[APRIL]: (nodding) Same buddy, same.
Mikey manages to crack open a portal, but it gradually drains his life force, bright cracks forming on his arms during Leo’s explanation.
[DONNIE]: (struggling not to throw up, squeezing Mikey tighter) Oh fuck—your arms…they’re cracking.
[LEO & RAPH]: (panicking) Cracking?!
[MIKEY]: (terrified) So I lose my arms like Future Leo?? (downhearted) Nevermind, I guess it’s not my lucky day.
[DONNIE]: (dejectedly) I’m so sorry, Mike. I wish I was there to prevent this.
[MIKEY]: (consolingly) It’s not your fault, D. And it wasn’t Leo’s either. Like I said—I would’ve done it either way. (dolefully) And whatever happens, there’s nothing we can do about it.
[DONNIE]: (protesting) But I —
[MIKEY]: (shaking head) No, Donnie. Just because I’m your baby brother, doesn’t mean you have to protect me all the time. I’m old enough to protect myself as well you guys too.
[RAPH]: (huffing) Doesn’t matter. No matter what, we’re your big brothers, Mikey. We’re supposed to protect you.
[LEO]: (fervent nod) It’s in the job description.
[MIKEY]: (assertively) Well somebody should tweak that.
[SPLINTER]: (sighing) I doubt it will happen, Michelangelo.
[DONNIE]: (approving nod) Dad’s right. We’re here for you whether you like it or not.
[MIKEY]: (groaning) Fine…but as long as you respect my independence on a daily basis, then we’re good.
[OTHER TURTLES]: (simultaneously) Deal.
[LEONARDO]: (frowning) The people who stole that key opened the doorway for the Kraang. You have to find it before that happens. (ordering) Find the key—stop the Kraang.
[APRIL]: (concluding) So he is sending Casey alone.
[DONNIE]: (masking worry) You’re—you’re not going with him.
[MIKEY]: (exclaiming) What? No!
[LEO]: (pursing lips) Guess not.
[RAPH]: (clenching fists) You better not die too, Leo. Otherwise I’ll kill ya myself.
[LEO]: (chuckling nervously) I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.
[CASEY II]: (hesitating) But sensei —
[LEONARDO]: (grabbing his pupil’s shoulder, hastily) Say it.
The audience recoiled at Future Leonardo’s strict tone, contrasting Present-Day Leo’s carefree one, contemplating their divergent circumstances.
I guess these Leos truly are different.
[CASEY II]: (slightly giving in) ‘Find the key—stop the Kraang’.
[RISE LEO]: (nodding) Yep.
His master is thankful and pats his shoulder twice, continuing to hold on, but Casey II still has some reservations, clutching Leo’s arm in protest.
[CASEY II]: (confessing) I don’t wanna lose you.
[MIKEY]: (sadly) He’s really attached to you, huh?
[LEO]: (solemn nod) Yeah.
[APRIL]: (pondering) Are you his dad or something?
[LEO]: (tilting head) I dunno…am I?
[RAPH]: (pointing out) Looks like it.
[DONNIE]: (affirming) He does look up to you like a father-figure.
[SPLINTER]: (smiling) That means I do have a grandchild! Yes!
[LEO]: (anxious laughter) Okay…let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Dad.
[SPLINTER]: (stubbornly) I will keep no such promises.
[LEO]: (nearly whispering) Oh boy…
[LEONARDO]: (reassuring) Casey—it’s not about me.
[RAPH]: (confirming) It’s about saving the world…because we’re heroes.
[LEO]: (audible sigh) If only I had a slice of pizza everytime you said that…
[RAPH]: (squinting) Meaning…?
[LEO]: (dismissively) Nevermind.
A colossal robot interrupts their conversation, shining a gigantic red light on them.
[APRIL]: (stunned) What are those things?
[DONNIE]: (guessing) Aliens?
[SPLINTER]: (choked gasp) The Kraang…
[EVERYONE ELSE]: (confused) What?
The rat briefly explained the backstory of how the Kraang fought against his ancestors in Japan about a thousand years ago—until they were finally trapped in the Prison Dimension, yearning to escape ever since.
[DONNIE]: (repeating) Like I said…aliens.
[LEO]: (eye roll) We heard you the first time.
[APRIL]: (lowered eyebrows) So they’re from another universe?
[SPLINTER]: (nodding) Yes—and they planned on invading ours for millennia.
[RAPH]: (connecting dots) So if they grab that key—then they’ll be able to travel to our universe?
[SPLINTER]: (bobbing head) Precisely.
[DONNIE]: (inhaling sharply) That is not good.
[CASEY II]: (exclaiming, lifting his chainsaw hockey stick) They found us!
[AUDIENCE]: (frantically) Run!
However, Mikey is still opening the portal, struggling immensely, gradually losing his hands and arms, screaming loudly.
Once again, Donatello embraced his orange-clad brother, praying that he’d have at least a slim chance of surviving this.
[CASEY II]: (begging) Master Michelangelo, no! You’re gonna—
Future Michelangelo glances back at him and his brother one last time, winking before succumbing to his explosive demise, saddening them. However, their plan is successful.
[LEO]: (choking out) No!
[DONNIE]: (shedding a few tears, embracing him again) Mikey…
[RAPH]: (tearing up) Little brother!
[SPLINTER]: (horrified) My son…
[APRIL]: (mouth agape) He’s—gone.
[LEONARDO]: (gripping his student’s shoulder) Casey—when you’re done saving the world, do me a favor...grab a slice!
[MIKEY]: (befuddled) Wait—he never tried pizza before?
[DONNIE]: (lips quivering) Really? That’s what you’re concerned about? You just died.
[MIKEY]: (defeated sigh) I know, but still…wouldn’t hurt to know.
Leo tosses his pupil through the portal, fighting off the creatures alone until he too is decimated. Casey II has tears in his eyes before landing in present-day New York City (2020).
[EVERYONE ELSE]: (screaming) NO!
[OTHER TURTLES]: LEO!
[LEO]: (pressing lips tightly) Guess my plan worked then…
At this point, aside from Raph and Mikey’s stifled whimpers, he felt two slender arms wrap around his waist, head buried in his shoulder. Initially, Leonardo didn’t know who it was—until he turned around and gasped.
[LEO]: (bewildered) Donnie?
[DONNIE]: (remorsefully) I’m sorry, Leo. I didn’t mean to…I know you would never hurt Mikey on purpose.
[LEO]: (patting his twin’s head comfortingly) It’s okay, Donnie. I understand.
[DONNIE]: (confessing) It’s just that—Mikey’s our baby brother, you know? A-And it’s our job to protect him…but I was so scared. So I lashed out—but I didn’t mean to.
[LEO]: (sympathetically) It’s okay, I get it. I do.
[DONNIE]: (muffling) I’m sorry.
[LEO]: (chuckling) Stop apologizing, D. All’s forgiven.
[DONNIE]: (lifting head, hopefully) Really?
[LEO]: (promising) Turtle’s honor. (teasing) Besides, I’m just glad you’re willing to hug me of all people.
[DONNIE]: (snorting) Don’t get used to it.
[LEO]: (grinning) I’ll take your word for it.
Other than that, everyone else was glad these two made up after a series of fearful accusations and blatant misunderstandings.
[CASEY II]: (regaining consciousness) Huh? What...I made it?
[LEO]: (announcing) Welcome to 2020, my friend.
[MIKEY]: (exclaiming happily) In New York!
His question is answered after examining his surroundings.
[APRIL]: (humming) Guess he’ll have to look for us then.
[RAPH]: And find a way to prevent his timeline from happening.
[LEO]: (grimacing) Let’s just hope he won’t be erased from existence.
[DONNIE]: (elaborting) Time travel creates branched timelines in order to avoid paradoxes, so that won’t be a problem.
[MIKEY]: (relieved exhale) Thank goodness!
[CASEY II]: (focusing) Alright Casey, here we go. Find the key—stop the Kraang.
[RAPH]: (thumbs up) That’s right.
[SPLINTER]: (genuine smile) My grandchild…all grown up.
[LEO]: (groaning) Not your grandchild, Dad!
[SPLINTER]: (proudly) Deny it all you want, Blue—but eventually you will accept it.
[LEO]: (huffing) Uh huh—sure.
As he ascends the staircase, the title sequence is shown while a brief version of the theme song is playing.
TO BE CONTINUED