Chapter 4: Doubting Leo
A/N: So, here's the next chapter. I really wasn't sure when I was going to get this out, but the idea came to me, so I'm rolling with it now. Thanks to all of those who have read and reviewed thus far. It means a lot to me that you have faith in this story.
You Know Who: Thanks for the vote of confidence, Al. As for if you could do this or not, I think you could as your writing style is so great, and you could make it funny, too. But it's up to you if you'd want to attempt it or not. As the saying goes, "You'll never know until you try." Thanks so much for reading though. I've missed hearing from you. And to everyone else, you really should read his wrestling stories. He's under the username Alkaholik. They're hilarious and definitely worth the read.
And now, on with the show.
Disclaimer: TMNT and everyone associated with them belong to Nickelodeon. I own only the plot of the story.
"I can't believe I messed up again."
"It was just one practice, Leo. Don't beat yourself up over it. We all have bad days at times."
"But I'm not supposed to have bad days or off days. I'm the leader of our clan. It's my job to do things right and protect my brothers. If I mess up, something could happen to them, and I can't let that happen."
"I'm sure you'll be fine, Leo. You're a great ninja, and a great leader. You'll do great and make Splinter proud of you."
"He wasn't proud of me today. The look on his face was like he was so disappointed in me. Maybe he made the wrong choice."
"No, he didn't. You're the perfect choice for being the leader, and Splinter knows that. If he didn't have faith in you, he wouldn't have picked you."
"I remember how he told me failure would always be a possibility and that I should prepare for it, but if that's true, then why does he have to act like I'm such a failure?"
"He doesn't think that, Leo. Maybe he was just having a bad day and took it out on you. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just keep your chin up and remind yourself that you're really a good leader and a good brother. I think so anyway. If I had to count on you to save and protect me, I know I'm in good hands."
"Thanks, April. That means a lot."
"You're welcome, Leo. That's what friends are for."
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"Leonardo, why are you so troubled?"
"It's my fault, Sensei. I failed her. I promised to protect her and I broke that promise. I'm not fit to be the leader of this clan. If I couldn't even protect April, then my brothers don't stand a chance under my leadership. Maybe you should give the position to Raph."
"I will do no such thing. I made you the leader because I saw something in you, my son. I knew that you would be fit for the job, and you have done what I have expected of you. What happened to April was not your fault, nor do I feel that you are not suited to the role of leader because of it. It was something beyond our control, and even if you had been there to protect her, you could have been lost as well. It is a thought that constantly haunts me and that is why I am glad you did not escort her to the surface on that night. Do not blame yourself, my son. You did everything in your power to protect her but sometimes you cannot protect everyone from everything. I have learned that with the four of you. By keeping you underground, I hoped to protect you from the outside world and the people who would judge you for who you are. But then you grew older, and you desired to see the surface. I knew that I could not protect you forever and so I allowed you to go. By doing so, you were able to meet and befriend April, and I must say that it was the best decision I could have made. I also hoped to protect you from Shredder but I could not do that as well. Now we are entrenched in a war that is out of our control, and we must do all we can to make sure we win."
"So, what's your point, Sensei?"
"My point is that you cannot always protect your loved ones forever. The best thing you can do is protect them when you can and just hope that things go all right for when you can't protect them. That is what I do with you, and it has worked so far."
"I get what you're saying, Sensei, but it's hard for me not to feel responsible for what happened."
"I know, Leonardo, and I am sorry that you have to carry this burden. Just know that your brothers and I will always be here if you need to talk."
"Thank you, Master Splinter."
"You are welcome, my son."
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"Hey, Leo, why are you up?"
"I couldn't sleep."
"The nightmare again?"
"Yeah. It just won't go away and I don't know what to do, Raph."
"Well, trainin' until you pass out won't work, bro."
"I've tried everything else I could think of: Counting sheep, meditating, and even listening to music. None of them worked, so I thought maybe training would be the solution."
"But if you don't rest, you won't have energy to train tomorrow. Sensei's not gonna like that."
"I know that, but what else can I do?"
"How about watchin' TV? That sometimes helps me get to sleep. We can watch one of those wrestling tapes Mikey found."
"I guess I could try that."
"Great. It's better than you killin' yourself."
"Very funny. But thanks for the support, Raph. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"No problem. You really need to work things out with these nightmares though."
"Do you think she's really gone, Raph?"
"Yeah, I do. She can't get to us anymore. Maybe your problem is that you still believe she's out there and you're scared about that. I think you need to just tell yourself that she can't hurt you and maybe the nightmares will stop."
"I'll try my best, Raph, but it's not easy."
"Nothing's ever easy for us. It's the way we live. Now enough talkin'. Let's just sit back and watch the show."
"Sounds good to me."
A/N: Yay! Another chapter finished! The last bit with Leo and Raph has a spoiler for both Truth and Lies and the sequel Liar Liar Pants on Fire, which I really need to post soon. So what did you think of this chapter? Feel free to leave a review and have a shelltastic day.