((A.N. This is my first time uploading an 'original' fanfic. I say that with quotes because 'The Drip' was based on a comic. I wanted to try writing something that I had complete control over. Anyway, this is only a prologue, and it might take me a while to update this. But 'The Drip' is almost finished, so that's something to watch out for! As always, constructive criticism is welcome! I'd love to hear your thoughts so far and what I can improve on! See you in chapter 1!))

Subconsciously, Leo shivered. Clearly, it wasn't the cold that caused this reaction, because at this time of year, New York was nothing short of a frying pan. The hot, sweltering summer heat had left Leo and his brothers, though reptiles, feeling rather stuffy. He found it a miracle in itself that no one melted had into a pile of goo from the scorching temperature. Thankfully, the hours were growing late, and thus, the blazing sun began its journey behind the towering skyscrapers, signalling the day was coming to an end. Equally as fortunately, this also meant their evening patrol in the unbearable heat was nearing its finale, and soon, they'd all retreat back into the confines of the sewers until moon high. Admittedly, the season of summer had its perks, but spending nearly four hours baking- err, on the lookout - for crime that would never come, was definitely not one of Leo's favourite hobbies.

Not to mention he had sacrificed at least three episodes of Space Heroes to watch the city. Sorry Captain Ryan, Leo thought as he ensured all was peaceful in the city, eager to return home with his report. Sometimes duty calls at the worst possible times.

And so, while suppressing a yawn, he turned himself away from the ever-glowing New York City skyline. The sound of cars far below honking their horns whilst people chatted, oblivious to the four creatures standing on the rooftops, filled the humid air. But to Leo, the faces of his brothers resembled anything but simple creatures. The familiar figures he knew to trust with his life greeted his eye… but at the same time, so did the odd feeling he had tried to repress for weeks on end; dreaded anticipation.

Leo bit his bottom lip and waited for the feeling to pass. But, just like the previous times, it didn't.

This sensation of fear had been plaguing like a parasite who refused to leave it infected victim. The first time he had been startled awake, countless nights ago, was by nothing other than horrid, recurring nightmares. Each and every time, he witnessed the same thing; his ultimate failure to protect his team. He let his brothers down, allowing them to be stolen by the darkness and taken away to who-knows-where, all while he stood deathly still, unable to help, unable to breath. He wouldn't be capable of moving a single limb.

And every time Leo woke up, drenched in sweat and heaving in the static air, he swore they must have some prophetic nature. Hoping to put an end to his restless nights, he discussed these dreams to Master Splinter. But his father foresaw no immediate importance to these overly lucid nightmares.

"Keep in mind that what you interpret from your dreams may not be what they are trying to convey. After all, sometimes dreams are just dreams and nothing more." Master Splinter had told him the previous day after training. "In the end, though, it is you who reads your dreams for what you believe they must mean."

Jeez… can he be any more vague? Leo forced back the comment. "But sensei… I've never had such vivid dreams before! I felt everything like it was really happening.

I don't know what my dreams mean or if what I think they're trying to tell me is right. Don't you have any advice to give me?"

"Have you not listened to a word I said?"

"No! I mean, yes, I did listen! But-"

"Then you should already know that I am not here to decipher your thoughts for you. You are a leader, Leonardo. How are your brothers supposed to trust you if you do not trust yourself?"

And so Leo had left the dojo with a bow, his footfalls slightly heavier than when he walked in twenty minutes beforehand. He tried to play off these uncomfortable nightmares as simply feelings of uncertainty toward himself… but that escalated into believing that he wasn't as perfect of a leader as he could be. That night, he dreamt he failed his team again, but this time, his brothers did not shout for him; instead, they shouted at him.

"You failed us!"

"Why didn't you do anything?"

"Why are you just standing there? You're leader, Leo! Do something!"

But after a full week of suffering through the same dream, over and over again, Leo finally lost his patience with not understanding what exactly it symbolised. Out of options, he took his father's advice, - "Or lack thereof," Leo grumbled - figuring it meant he wasn't fit to be leader.

This notion came with a bit of a blow to his ego. Splinter always told the brothers that he chose Leo simply because he had asked. But the blue-masked turtle found it better to believe it was because he was the eldest, the most experienced, the one who strives to be the perfect son on top of perfect ninja. It sounded selfish when said out loud, but to Leo, those same words gave him the motivation he needed.

So, with the thought of him being anything less than what Splinter wanted swirling in his mind, Leo decided to make himself fit the role of a leader. He took the matters that resided in his nightmare-ridden mind into his hands, swearing to protect his brothers against everything and anything at all costs. That was his top priority as a perfect leader.

((A.N. Oh boy, what mess is Leo going to get himself into? Anyway, thanks for reading! Again, this is only a prologue so I can get the basic idea out there. I'll see you in chapter 1 soon! Take care! :D ))