Chapter 60: Leader

Being a leader wasn't always so easy, but Leo had no idea just how difficult it was going to be with Splinter gone.

Had Splinter really believed in him that much from the start?

Why had Splinter been so sure of what Leo would become when Leo himself had had no idea what the future would hold?

Leo tried to do the kata just as Splinter taught him, but he faltered and ended up falling.

With a growl of frustration, he threw down his swords.

"Is everything okay?" Slash asked.

"I don't think I can do this, Slash," Leo said.

"What are you talking about?" Slash asked.

"I don't think I can be the head of the family," Leo answered. "It's just too challenging for me."

"Since when have you ever backed away from a challenge?" Slash asked him. "You've stared death in the face quite a few times and have won. Do you really think Sensei would want you to give up like that?"

"No, but I just don't think this is the right thing to do. I'm scared I'm gonna mess it up."

Slash put a hand on his shoulder. "Look, Leonardo, I've done my fair share of messing up, yet you gave me a second chance even when I didn't deserve it. You are the strongest Turtle I know and the greatest leader I know. You might mess up, but you'll learn from it. Raph and your brothers believe in you, and so do I. You can do this. Don't sell yourself short when Splinter was the one who believed in you. If he didn't think you were capable of it, he never would have let you be leader in the first place, right?"

"You have a point there, Slash," Leo conceded. "Sorry about that little breakdown. I really shouldn't doubt myself. Splinter chose me for a reason, and I'm going to see it through just like he wanted me to."

Slash clapped Leo on the shoulder. "That's the awesome leader I know. Now, how about you take a break and come have some food?"

"I think that's something any leader would want to do," Leo said with a smile. "Shall we?"

"Lead the way."

Leo felt better about the talk he had with Slash. Sure, he would mess up, but Splinter had made mistakes too and had gotten back up again. All leaders faced mistakes and learned from them. Leo was going to do his best to make sure he got back up after falling down and would try his best not to doubt himself.

As the blue-clad Turtle left to eat with his family and friends, the spirit of his father smiled down on him.

"I am proud of you, Leonardo," he said. "You have proven yourself as a worthy leader."

A/N: And another chapter is done. I wanted to do a chapter with Slash and Leo after Splinter's death and this seemed fitting enough. Feel free to leave a review and have a shelltastic day.

Disclaimer: TMNT and all related characters are property of Nickelodeon. I only own the plot and nothing more than that though I wish I could give Leo a big hug sometimes.