So here is the last chapter, it's short but I think it wraps up the story nicely, please R&R and thank you to all of you who have enjoyed and reviewed my story, you kept my fingers typing.

Ch 22 A Hero's Welcome.

As Leo and the rest of the group made their way inside the auditorium-like courtroom, Leo couldn't help but notice the place seemed more crowded then the last time he had been there. As he looked about the room curiously, Leatherhead motioned for him to sit in the chair that was directly across from the High Council just as he had done the first time. With a slight nod toward the admiral, he made his way to the chair and sat down.

As he took his seat and continued to look over the large amount of mutants and humans that had gathered for the hearing, the sudden noise of a gavel being brought down hard on the desk in front of him brought his attention to the High Council. The gavel came down hard once again as Dr. Tyler Rockwell called the hearing to order, then stand and glare at him, "Captain Leonardo Hamato," The mutant monkey began, "In the last twenty four hours, you have disobeyed orders from higher ranking officers, accused the Futtokuran Planet of being in league with the Kraang, stole a space craft from their Royal Flagship as well as destroyed their royal ship's hangar bay."

Rockwell took a deep breath and took a look around the room, "You have also saved Earth and many planets within the Universe from the Kraang," Rockwell picked up a small box and walked around the table, he produced a small gold medal on a ribbon as he made his way over to him while motioning for Leo to stand, "And this council owes you," He continued as he pinned the medal on Leo's collar, "And all our brave fighter pilots a great debt of gratitude," Leo looked at Dr. Rockwell in surprise as they shook hands, "This council has come to realize we judged you harshly and unfairly, Captain, and we can only hope that in time, you find it in your heart to forgive us."

Leo smiled back at him, "Thank you Dr. Rockwell," He responded as he looked back at the others who smile widely at him, "But I don't think it will be that hard to forgive you."

"You are a true hero Captain Leonardo," Dr. Rockwell continued, "And I along with the rest of the Earth's inhabitants," He motioned toward the audience behind him, "Look forward to having you be a part of the Earth's Defense Council."

Rockwell stepped back, brought his hands together and began clapping. Leo felt his throat tighten as he watched in awe as one by one, everyone in the room slowly stood and joined in clapping for him. He wiped the tears away as the three turtles and Splinter walked over to him. "See Leo," Raph placed his hand on his shoulder as they looked about the room, "You do have a place here."

"And you do belong here," Donnie added.

"Yeah, with us." Mikey said as Leo nodded in agreement.

"So how bout accepting that job offer and be my new wingman?" Raph asked. He nodded over to where Casey and April were standing, smiling proudly and clapping along with the rest of the audience.

Leo and Raph laughed and the two shook hands, "You guys are right," Leo sniffed and wiped the tears that were forming in his eyes while he continued to look around the room, "I do belong here," His voice shook lightly as he smiled back as everyone continued to clap and cheer for him, "With you, with everyone here, because we're all family, and I am definitely part of this family."

Splinter stood back and watched as each of the High Council members came forward and shook Leo's hand, "You are correct, Leonardo," Splinter said proudly as the blue clad turtle continued to receive heartfelt handshakes along with cheers and applause, "We are all family."

~End~

My job and school will be starting up soon, but I do have many more stories I would love to download if I get time. Keep a look out and to all my readers, take care. Thanks and peace :)