Disclaimer: Ninja Turtles are not mine. Please do not sue and no flames.

Choosing a Leader

I was in the dojo working out on the punching bag. My brothers and I had turned twelve a few days ago and Master Splinter mentioned that he would be choosing a leader soon and I wanted the position.

Just then, Leo entered the dojo. He immediately started working on katas while I continued working out on the punching bag.

"When do you think sensei will choose a leader?" I asked.

"Hopefully, today, but I don't know," Leo replied. "He hasn't told me the exact time that he'd make the decision."

"I hope he makes it soon."

"It'll be worth the wait."

I decided to take a break and left the dojo leaving Leo to work on katas. I entered the entertainment area and spotted Mikey and Donny sitting on the sofa watching cartoons.

"Want to join us, Raph?" Donny asked.

"Not really," I replied.

"You sure?" Mikey asked.

"I'm sure that I don't want to watch cartoons," I said and then headed for my room.

Later on, I was training with my brothers in the dojo. Just then, Master Splinter entered, cleared his throat, and we stopped what we were doing.

Master Splinter tapped his cane a couple times on the floor. My brothers and I formed a straight line.

"I have decided that the four of you are ready to start patrolling without me," Master Splinter said. "You have all done marvelously with your training and I feel that you are ready for this responsibility. However, you will need a leader to guide you on these patrols and to help keep all of you in line. For this, I have chosen Leonardo."

Mikey and Donny threw their arms around Leo who returned the gesture. I was so angry that I stormed right out of the dojo.

I was in my room releasing my anger on the practice dummy. Just then, Master Splinter appeared in the doorway.

"Everything OK, my son?" Splinter asked with concern.

"I'm so angry that you gave the leader position to Leo instead of me," I burst out. "I really wanted the position and I worked extra hard to get it. This meant everything to me. I wanted to be leader more than anything."

I suddenly felt my eyes pricking and squeezed my eyes shut. I was not going to fall apart over not getting chosen as leader.

Just then, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I opened my eyes and turned to see Splinter standing there.

"You have so much anger inside you," Splinter said. "You are a good ninja but you have yet to learn patience. Because of this, I felt that Leonardo would make a better leader. However, I will allow you to fill in when Leonardo is not able to do his leader duties for some reason."

"I guess that's better than nothing," I said.

Just then, Leo entered the room. Master Splinter released my shoulder and stepped away from me.

"Raph, I saw you storm out of the dojo and I wanted to make sure you were all right," Leo said. "Are you?"

"I was angry but I'm OK now," I said.

"Leonardo, when you are not able to fulfill your leader duties for any reason, Raphael will fill in for you," Splinter explained.

"That will be very helpful, Sensei," Leo said.

"Leo, sorry I stormed out like that," I apologized. "I really wanted the leader position and I got angry that you got it instead of me. I have to admit, though, if someone had to be leader other than me, I'm glad it was you."

"Thanks, Raph," Leo said. "Coming from you, that means a lot."

"If either of you need me, I will be meditating in my room," Splinter said and then left the room.

Just then, Leo wrapped his arms around me. I found myself slowly returning the gesture. The two of us squeezed each other tightly. We released each other a few minutes later.

"I'll be in the dojo if you want to join me," Leo said.

"Maybe later," I said.

Leo nodded and left the room. I resumed practicing on the practice dummy.

The End