(Fandom: ROTTMNT 2018, ROTTMNT Movie, TMNT 2012, TMNT 2003)
(This AU is inspired and based on the Greek Tragedy AU by @souperwrites. Be warned, this AU will contain upsetting topics and unsettling scenes. Warnings include: death, gore, ritual sacrifice, cults, immortality, sadism, neglect, abuse, psychological horror, stalking, and yandere elements. Viewer discretion is advised...)
Sunlight peeks through the blinds, illuminating ruffled blankets and scattered books. Birds chirp outside, high and joyous, as they begin their day. Curled under the covers, someone sleeps, face buried into their pillow as they snore.
Startling awake, they nearly fall off the bed as they scramble to grab their phone, sliding their finger across the screen frantically. The alarm turns off, the screen displaying the time.
Tossing blankets off and rushing to the bathroom, they hurriedly pull their hair back and brush their teeth. Splashing water into their face they scrub, wiping at their eyes as they blink away the water. Staring back in the mirror is you. Colorful hair pulled up and out of your face. Your favorite tee pulled over your frame. Piercings that glint in the light. Wiping away the last of the droplets with a towel, you head back into your room, grabbing your bag before heading out the door.
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"How are you always late?"
Glaring at your friend, you rub the back of your neck. "I don't mean to be! You know essays keep me up!" She gives you a look over her glasses, amused.
"Dude, you never take a break. How do you even get any sleep? You look like a zombie," your other friend observes, adjusting his backpack.
Somehow you got lucky when you entered college, ending up with two friends who marched your oddness. Be it believing in ghosts, watching the same cooking show, or being obsessed with the same fantasy book series, May and Junior had your back. And that meant you shared some of the same classes, ancient history and theology, to be specific.
May was always wearing yellow and green, a jacket wrapped around her in the cold morning air as she typed away at her phone. Her glasses glint in the light, rose colored and sharp. She greets you with a smile and wave. Next to her, Junior looks up from his protein bar, waving at you before taking another bite. A black sweater clings to him, a white skull on the front. His boots shift on the gravel, keeping him from falling sideways.
You adored them. They were the best of friends you could ever ask for.
Staring over May's shoulder, you idly watch as she pulls up the website for the museum your class is going to today. It seems there's a new exhibit your professor wanted your class to see. Maybe it would have some new myths to study...
You found it fascinating how so many beliefs existed across the world, sharing similarities in some cases and some being unique to only one region. The creativity and the history that went into each myth and legend was impressive, spanning hundreds, sometimes thousands of years. The three of you preferred different parts of history, however.
May preferred the history of the different religions. Ask her what year and for how long they had two brother kings and she could tell you. She wanted to preserve knowledge and share it with the world, her curiosity knowing no bounds. Her other major was journalism. If May set her mind to it, nothing could stop her.
Junior got excited over the different traditions of each culture. He knew how ancient Egytpians mourned the death of a family cat, and could list what kind of sacrifice was used in ancient Rome during a festival. He believed in keeping some traditions alive, of honoring the past and making the best future possible. His other major was archeology. You were also pretty sure if he wanted, he could change the world.
You prefered myths, the stories and creatures that dotted the past. You'd studied several, and were eager to learn more about what beliefs ruled the ancient past. You weren't always on time, but you studied for hours, forgoing food, sleep, and bathroom breaks just to finish every assignment you could. Your other major was art. You didn't know if you had what it took to go the distance...
But dear gods did you want to.
At least you didn't miss the bus for today.
"I cannot believe they have a new exhibit! I've been waiting for this one for months!" May exclaims, shaking your shoulders in excitement.
"What is it about?" You didn't realize the new exhibit was opening today. Did you forget to read the college bulletin again?
"It's on this ancient region called Terra, which had yokai and humans living together! There were different clans and cities, and they were so advanced, like, no joke. They had plumbing and power figured out before the Romans did," May prattles, flipping through each section on her phone as she continues to talk. "They seemed to have, let's see... their own version of pizza... an alternate source of power than electricity... plumbing... and oh, look! They've even got heroes!"
Junior stops chewing to squint at her phone. "May?"
"What do turtles even do?"
"These weren't regular turtles! These were some of their folk heroes! You know, like Hercules or Achilles." Tapping away as she keeps looking at the article, you don't notice your teacher looming behind until someone clears their throat.
"What are you three doing?! We are about to leave! Stop scrolling! We are rolling! Out, now!" Startling, the three of you scramble onto the bus, just in time as your teacher stalks in after you, fixing his hair before settling onto the front row of seats. "What are you waiting for? Sit before the bus starts! I will not be sued for harm to students. I swear it is like watching toddlers!"
Glaring, you settle into the back row, humphing as your friends join you. You forgot sometimes that Mr. Lee could be a grouch. He was usually the fun teacher, preferring to let students study at their own pace and make projects to pass his class, rather than doing pop quizzes and eight page essays. However, for whatever reason, he was particularly ornery today, not in the mood for goofing off.
As the bus starts to rumble down the gravel path, you pray this trip goes well.
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As the bus comes to a stop, several students start to get up, merging into the aisle as they crowd the exit. You can hear Mr. Lee shouting for order, earning a small snicker from you.
"Well, looks like we're here. Better get moving, I am not getting stuck on the bus again," May says, scooting past you and heading into the sea of students, fighting to get off as the doors start to open.
"Let's hope this doesn't go like our last field trip," Junior grumbles before joining her. You watch as the two disappear, leaving you to grab your bag and follow. You step off just as the doors click shut, the last person off. Gazing up at the tall building, you suppress a shiver.
Your class looks like a herd of lost seagulls on the steps of the giant building, cawing loudly as everyone splits into groups. Your teacher looks frazzled, grumbling as he leads you all up the steps. His eyes lock on you and your friends, before sliding back to the doors. Shoving one open with a loud crack, he shouts.
"Let's go! Stay with the group, do not touch anything, and do NOT lose your lunch!" And with that the class swarms inside, voices bubbling with excitement and questions.
Several halls lead out of the main hall, lined with paintings, vases, and sculptures as you are lead down the center hall. Several other guests are in the museum, taking pictures or browsing the galleries. One sheep yokai holds the hand of a lamb, showing them a replica painting of Van Gogh. Down the hall and outside in the gardens, you spot a group of younger students admiring the different native plants as their tour guide explains how they were used. Your group drifts together after your teacher, admiring the found art sculptures and vaulted roof, murals painted across each section in bright, vivid colors.
"We are here! Now don't break anything." Shoving open a large set of twin doors, your group walks into the heart of the building. Several gasp as they take in the various items on display. From the corner of your eye you see a smug grin on Mr. Lee's face, proud of himself.
A large fountain takes up the center of the room, carved and sculpted into the shape of a weeping person, coins glistening at the bottom and casting specks of gold and silver across the polished stone. One walls is covered in tapestries, paintings, and scrolls, depicting various events in shades of red and black and green. Pedestals dot the floor like an army of glass, displaying vases and small sculptures of wood and clay, shaped like bugs and turtles and rams. Banners hang from the ceiling, displaying various symbols of the different known clans of Terra in bright colors.
"EEEEEEEEE!!! I GOTTA SEE THIS!!!" May darts across the room towards the nearest pinned scroll, taking pictures as she starts asking the guide questions. You look at Junior.
"Eh... you don't mind if I check out the ceremonial bat? I didn't know they played sports as a way of worship," Junior asks. He shoots a glance at the carved wood, serrated and carved with different crescent moons.
"Knock yourself out, man. I'll be here," you say. Shooting you a quick thumbs up, he's off, leaving you to stare around at the various displays.
Letting out a small sigh, you decide to start at the beginning. Weaving past the clusters of students and onlookers, you start with a small plaque in front of a fresco. Tiles in shades of green and blue orbit the middle, while in each corner is a turtle, their shells in streaked in shades of blue, red, purple and orange.
The Four Brothers were four turtle yokai, said to possess great skill and power. They defended Terra and all who called it home against the likes of the Spider Empress, the Draxxum, and the Silver Demon. Their father was the great rat deity, Splinter.
Okay, turtles who fight crime. Not the craziest thing here. Turning to look at the next few scrolls, you look through the translated pages in one of the pamphlets, settling onto a bench as you read.
The Four Brothers were revered as deities of protection, courage, and hope. They are represented by four colors, each belonging to a separate brother. Blue is tied to The Leader, patient and virtuous, who lead his brothers in battle against the dangers that plagued Terra. The Warrior was represented by red, passionate and brave, who defended the weak and vanquished the wicked. Purple was associated with The Inventor, wise and ingenious, who invented many tools used in Terra and discovered new cures and medicines. The Trickster is known by the color orange, creative and gifted, able to overcome any situation or obstacles in his path.
Looking over to the next translated page, you squint as you make out the words.
The Four Brothers were not opposed to company on their travels, taking on companions throughout their many adventures across Terra, from the likes of The Curious and The Wonder to Love. These three were often featured alongside the terrapin heroes in their many journeys, from their adventure to the Underground to their quest to find the Golden Eye. Though their travels were fraught with peril and danger, it was said they were blessed with great fortune. This great fortune, however, would not save them all.
Pulling back from the paper, you wrinkle your nose. You didn't realize they had their own version of Greek tragedies.
Getting up, you trek across the floor to look at some of the statues. Pristine marble and smoothed metal depict figures in frozen poses, captured in the midst of their story. A spider yokai holds aloft a golden orb, her face etched in villainous glee; a rat cradles four turtles in his arms, tail curled across his feet; a large man in sharpened armor crouches in battle; a giant turtle clutching sais lunges forward; a human is fallen on their knees, eyes closed as their hands hold a stone heart.
Slowly scooting around the last statue, you find yourself in front of a large painting. You don't know why, but... it makes your skin crawl. A human lays on their knees, tears pouring from closed eyes as their hands lay in their lap, palms up as their head hangs low. Hair rings their head like a sullen cloud, robes draped across their figure like waterfalls. Colorful flowers bloom around them, blossoming even as they die.
Even though you don't want to, you read the plaque.
Love Lost is a painting based on the myth of Love, a figure depicted in the tales of the Four Brothers. This painting depicts their final sacrifice, their own heart, their last gift to the deities they worshipped. Love was one of the human companions of the brothers, a human who devoted their life to them and served them any way they could. As they grew and were left again and again, Love wept, offering their heart as the only thing left they could give.
This whole exhibit is starting to get under your skin. From the vivid colors that blind your eyes to the uncanny statues that seem too real, to this sad myth of unrequited love.
As for the Four Brothers...
You aren't sure why... but they really get on your nerves.
Rubbing at your face, something cold and wet greets your flesh. Blinking, you notice the small droplets clinging to your hand. Tears. Had this exhibit really upset you that much?
Jumping, you look over your shoulder. Someone blinks back at you, startled by you reaction. A green hand rubs the back of their head as they settle next to you.
"Um, sorry about that. I see you found the painting. Yeah, it uh, it upsets me, too." They cast it a longing glance before turning back to you. "I don't think I've seen you before. Are you new?"
"Um." What do you say to strangers again? "Hi. Um. Yeah. I'm new - I'm with the college class here. I came with my friends." The turtle yokai nods, head cocking to the side as they look at you.
"So, see anything you like? This place has some pretty wild stories. I bet you'd enjoy them." They grin, self-assured and lax.
He stares at you, utterly baffled.
"What? But this place has everything. The origins, the retelling across several centuries, the various deities and artifacts of each city, the art-"
"Which is fine," you tell him," but something about it rubs me the wrong way."
"How so?" His eyes narrow, something dark flashing in them.
"I just feel bad for this guy, you know?" Gesturing up at the painting, you frown. "So they give up everything, just to get nothing? And they die? For no reason? I mean, I know they said it was a tragedy, but this is harsh, even for me." Rubbing the last stray drops from your face, you release a long sigh. "I just feel for them, you know?"
The terrapin looks apologetic, rubbing his arm as he coughs into his fist. "Yeah, I know what you mean. It's not easy to lose someone like that."
"Tell me about it," you mutter glumly.
He side-eyes you before squinting.
"Yeah? People do that," you reply tersely. He looks between you and the painting.
"You just - call me crazy - kinda look like them. The face and build and all that."
Okay, well isn't that creepy. You look like some ancient dead person.
"Eh... maybe if you squint."
"Maybe you're lucky. People says the gods bless some people and all that, if you believe that kind of stuff," he tells you, leaning against the railing as he looks at the sea of artifacts around the room.
You snort, unamaused. "Lucky? I wouldn't call it that." Joining him, you eye the weeping statue, spine twinging. "My family is cursed. Something something the gods hate us and all that. I don't know if someone pissed them off long ago or if someone mouthed off. All I know is they act like a freaking cult. Can't eat certain foods, can't have birthmarks, can't leave the family. Thank heavens my parent took me and ran." You chuckle humorlessly. "They were crazy, man."
The terrapin shoots you a look, concern mixed with confusion.
"That sounds weird as fuck."
"Yeah, I know. But hey, cool scar and all that. Just glad they didn't get their hands on me before they could do something worse." Pulling up your shirt, you show him the scar, taught and pulled. "Birthmark looked evil to them so they just got rid of it." His hand nearly reaches out to touch before pulling back, face twisted in horror.
"That's... that's horrible!" His horror turns to anger, face twisting into a snarl. "You were just a baby!"
"Woah, man, it's fine. It happened a long time ago. Live and let live and all that."
"I thought the saying was live and let die."
Snorting, you shove his shoulder playfully, grinning. He laughs, before straightening back up. He holds out a hand.
"Thanks, I really needed that. What did you say your name was?"
The moment it comes out of your mouth, he freezes. Worried, you wave a hand in front of his face. When he doesn't respond, you turn around, about to call for Mr. Lee.
A hand falls on your shoulder, heavy.
"How strange. I didn't think people still used that name." A shudder rolls across you as you look back at him, hunching under his gaze.
"Well, they do. It's mine. You okay, dude? You're acting off," you answer. You narrow your eyes, causing him to backtrack.
"Apologies. I think I've gone about this all wrong." He straightens, clears his throat, then gives a mock bow, winking up at you. "Would you care to hang out with me? I think it's been a while."
Something inside you ripples, and your mouth is talking before you can catch up with it.
"I thought Casey was supposed to be the charmer."
You reach up to couch your mouth, unsure where there came from. But your companion.
He grins, wild and ecstatic.
"Been a while, wouldn't you say, old friend?"
Tagged: @reallllllyyydizzy @ratchetprime211 @danniloversugar @thewickedweiner @ainsellshadewalker @sugar-soda @souperwrites )
(Explanation: As the Turtles stories change and morph over time, as do their forms and traits. And time hasn't been kind. After so many years, they've changed, to say the least)
