Chapter 59: Captain

Leo gazed around at the Space Heroes memorabilia in his room and began taking down some of his posters. He was head of the family now, and it was time to put away childish things.

"Leo, what are you doing?" Raph asked his brother.

"Taking this stuff down," he answered. "I'm sure April can find a way to donate it to someone else. I don't need it anymore."

Raph was confused. "Why not?"

"Because I'm head of the family now and I need to put away childish things."

"Do you know how stupid you sound right now?"

"What do you mean?"

"I know Splinter's death was hardest on you because of how close you guys were. I know you want to do exactly what Sensei wanted you to do, but this isn't it. Splinter wouldn't want you to get rid of something that means so much to you. He would want you to continue having these things and would want you to be yourself just as you are. Didn't he say that he wants you to think from the heart and not the head?"

"Yeah," Leo replied.

"So, what is your heart telling you?"

Leo paused to consider his brother's words. "Do you really think Sensei would want me to keep this stuff?"

"I know he would, bro. He believed in you and so do I. Don't change who you are. You're Hamato Leonardo, the best leader I know and a pretty cool brother. You're a geek and that's what makes you unique. Remember when Sensei would watch Space Heroes with you?"

"Yeah, I do," Leo said softly.

Raph held up a DVD. "Then how about if we watch some episodes in honor of Sensei?"

Leo smiled. "You got it."

They went to the living area and Raph popped the DVD into the player. As the show came on, Leo hummed the theme song and began quoting the show just as he used to do. He expected Raph to make fun of him like he used to do, but Raph smiled and let Leo continue quoting the show.

"You want to know something, Leo?" Raph asked his brother when one of the shows was over and the credits started rolling.

"What is it, Raph?"

"I always knew you would be a good leader just like Captain Ryan," Raph commented.

"But he's not a good leader!" Leo protested. "He always makes mistakes."

"But he learns from them in the end, and so do you," Raph answered.

"You really think I'm just like Captain Ryan?"

Raph nodded. "Yep, and you're gonna make a great captain from now on. I've got your back, bro, and if you need me for anything, I'm here for you."

Leo's eyes filled with tears and he smiled at his younger brother. "Thanks, Raph," he said.

"Any time, Captain Leo."

They continued watching the show for a bit longer until it was time for bed. Leo decided to sleep in his own room with everything in it.

He gazed at one of his Captain Ryan action figures which was a gift from Splinter. He was the captain now, and he was going to do all he could to do what was right from his heart just as his father taught him.

"I won't let you down, Father," he whispered. "I'll lead them and do what you wanted me to do. I love you."

He kissed the action figure and put it by his nightstand. Then he closed his eyes and fell asleep, hopeful that thing would be okay from now on.

A/N: A bit longer this time, but I couldn't really shorten this one. Are you guys still sad about what happened today? I am, but I know things will get better for them. Feel free to leave a review and have a shelltastic day.

Disclaimer: TMNT and all related characters are property of Nickelodeon. I only onw the plot and if I did own them, Splinter would have died of old age and not at the hands of Super Shredder.