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Leo leaned back in his chair, staring at the pale grid of ceiling tiles above him, letting the faint hum of fluorescent lights wash over his senses. Mr. Reynold’s voice droned on somewhere in the background, talking about iambic pentameter and metaphors, but Leo wasn’t listening. His mind wandered elsewhere, to more familiar and comforting thoughts. After school he would help April with the school’s newspapers, maybe go over her notes, and if there was time, start his own homeworks before his brothers came back home. The thought of her smile flickered in his mind, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself the normality of being just a teenage boy with crushes and responsibilities.
He shifted in his chair, glancing at the clock. Thirty minutes left. Enough time to sneak to the toilets.
Leo raised his hands. “Excuse me,” his teacher started at him. “May I take a quick trip to the restroom?” He asked politely.
Mr. Reynold wave his hands. “Sure okay, just don’t be too long.” He said while passing him the restroom pass.
“Okay.” Leo took it and proceeds to leave the classroom.
In the hallways, he started to spiral again. He pictured his brothers scattered across the school, Raph and Mikey probably slouched in physics, Donnie hunched over history notes. They were blending into normalcy, pretending they belonged where the world had never truly been designed for them. Leo’s chest tightened with worry, as it always did. Raph with his edge, ready to snap at the smallest provocation. Mikey hiding his exhaustion under humor. Donnie buried in logic and analysis, oblivious to the danger sometimes creeping closer than anyone should ever have to face.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, a small attempt at grounding himself in normalcy. Brothers. Homework. A normal life. April, maybe even a chance to tell her… no, no. What was he even thinking. She obviously would reject him, wouldn’t she?
Leo snapped back to reality when he reached the sinks in the restroom. He splashed some cold, chilly water to freshen him up.
And then the scream came.
It was distant at first, muffled, almost impossible to place. He looked around, uncertainty and fear flickering across his face, but he didn’t move.
A second scream, closer this time, more urgent, more desperate, and then…
Gunshots.
Sharp, puncturing, terrifying.
The restroom seemed to collapse inward, the normalcy of it all shattered in an instant. Leo froze. His fingers clenched into fists beside his thighs. Every muscle tensed. His own mind was screaming at him.
Survive.
Leo snapped back to reality and got into action. He was about to check the hallway to see if it’s safe, but that’s when he heard…
Footsteps.
Without a second thought, he immediately ran quietly into the last stall. He stepped on the toilet bowl and pressed his body on the stall, listening. Stay silent he thought. The footsteps were getting louder and louder, until it stopped.
“I know someone’s in here~” Leo’s eyes widened in fear. His hands started trembling. “You forgot to close the tap” the shooter said while turning the faucet off.
Shit. How can he forget about that.
The shooter started tapping the gun on the first stall. Then, he slammed it open, causing Leo’s heart to skip a beat. The shooter continued to the next stall. It’ll be only three more stalls before he lands on the stall Leo’s in.
Panic loomed in Leo. Fuck what am I supposed to do. His eyes darted around the stall. Looking for something to do in desperation. That’s when his eyes stopped at a small window, just enough for him to fit.
“Come out, come out where ever you are~” the shooter’s voice causes Leo to have goosebumps. The next stall was slammed open. “I’m getting impatient~”
Without further ado, Leo opened the window and jumped out. He heard a yell before gunshots firing. He missed his footing and landed hard on his sides. He groaned, rubbing his right shoulders. He sat there a few seconds, blinking before a loud hey not far behind him. He twisted his head. Apparently, the shooter brought his whole gang with him.
One guy wearing a black mask and a black hoodie. The other one was wearing a black t-shirt, a black mask and a black beanie. The hooded guy was holding a bat and the beanie guy was holding a knife.
His blood went cold. He didn’t have time to even stand when both of them went sprinting towards him.
His heart hammered as adrenaline surged through his veins. Instinct took over. He rolled to the side just as the bat swung down, smashing into the concrete where he had been seconds before.
The man in the beanie lunged with the knife in his hands. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the blade, feeling the rush of air as it sliced past his shoulder.
He spotted and immediately grabbed a discarded metal pipe from the ground, swinging it in a wide arc at the hooded attacker. The bat connected with a screech against the pipe, sending vibrations up his arms. He pushed the hooded guy away, causing him to tumble backwards.
Before he could recover, the beanie guy was at his side again, stabbing. He parried with the pipe, the clang of metal on metal echoing in his ears. Every second felt stretched, like the world had slowed down, but the danger was immediate, real, relentless.
Sweat stung his eyes. He needed to end this quickly, or he wouldn’t get another chance.
He blinked, suddenly aware that his eyes had closed without him noticing. His eyes suddenly spotted two familiar figures standing in the closest window of a classroom. It was his two younger brothers, Raph and Mikey. They had their hands pressed against the window with wide eyes. A wave of relief washed over him. At least two of his younger brothers were okay.
The pipe clanged against the knife again, sparks flying. That snapped his attention back at the fight. He felt the hooded guy coming at him from the side, swinging the bat with terrifying force. He ducked, but the beanie guy had circled around, slashing across his cheek. Pain bloomed instantly, sharp and burning, crimson streaking down the side of his face.
His vision blurred for a moment, blood mixing with sweat, but he couldn’t let himself falter. Not when his brothers were watching. He glanced towards his brothers. Raph was trying to open the window while Mikey and the other students were watching with wide eyes. The attackers closed in, confident he was weakened.
Then, an instinctive idea hit. He let the pipe drop lightly to the ground, baiting the hooded man. As the bat came down again, he sidestepped and used the momentum to hook the bat with his arm, flipping it out of the attacker’s hands. The hooded man stumbled forward, off-balance.
In the same motion, he spun, slamming his elbow into the beanie guy’s ribs while kicking his leg backward, making the knife clatter across the alley. Both men staggered, momentarily stunned. He wiped the blood from his cheek, grit in his teeth, and realized, he had turned the tables, if only for a second.
He barely had time to steady himself when the hooded man snatched the bat from his grip and swung the bat, this time catching his shoulder. Pain shot through his arm, forcing him to stumble.
Before he could regain his footing, the beanie guy slashed across his aching shoulders, a clean, deep burning cut. Blood dripped into his eyes, stinging, blurring his vision, but he refused to fall. Every movement felt like swimming through fire.
He fought back desperately, swinging the pipe, ducking, rolling, but the attackers were relentless. Another hit to his plastron made him gasp, and a kick to his leg nearly sent him to the ground. The world narrowed to pain and the shadowy figures closing in.
Then, in the distance, he heard voices, shouts. Mikey appeared beside him, while Raph charged in with a ferocious determination that mirrored his own fight for survival. The hooded man swung the bat again, but Raph intercepted it, tackling him to the ground. Mikey grabbed the beanie guy just as he lunged forward with the knife.
Now outnumbered, the attackers faltered. With his brothers by his side, he could finally push back, swinging, dodging, and landing precise hits. The attackers tried to retreat, but the combined force was overwhelming. Within moments, they were disarmed, knocked out.
Breathing hard, blood still streaking his face, he felt relief flood through him. His brothers clapped him on the back. “You okay dude?” His youngest brother checked his cuts. “I’m fine” he panted. “We have to get the others out of here.” Leo told his brothers with determination in his eyes.
“Let the police handle it, plus you’re hurt.” Raph looked at him with worried a expression.
“The police won’t arrive in time, people might get hurt.”
“But-“ Leo cut Raph before he could argue.
“Raph, Donnie and April are still in there along with other students. We fought and defeated Superfly. How hard would a powerless human be?”
“How are you sure there’s only one person. There might be more. What if they have guns?” Mikey butted in.
“That’s more reasons why we have to get them out.”
Raph and Mikey exchanged glances. Before Raph let out a sigh.
“Okay,” Leo searched for his immediate younger brother’s eyes. “just promise me you’ll be safe.” Raph’s eyes met with Leo’s.
“I promise.”
“Whew, okay so,” Mikey dragging the ‘o’. “What should we do?”
“I need you and Raph to get everyone from the first level out of here, get them out through the windows. Break them if you have to. Then lead them to the road, away from the school. Make sure to call the cops.” Leo ordered his brothers.
“I’ll get the classrooms on the second floor, once all of you are done. Just stay where you are. Whatever you do, don’t go in the building. Just wait for me and the other students to get out.”
There’s no way Leo’s going to risk his brothers life going back into the building. He would rather get shot than let his brothers get hurt.
“Hey hey Leo, there’s no way you’re getting in that school alone. You might get hurt, or worse, die.” Mikey rambled.
“I won’t, don’t worry,” Leo reinsured. “We’re ninjas, I’m sure I can get in the building without getting spotted. Trust me, I’ll be careful.”
Mikey hesitated at first but he nodded.
“Okay good, we have to start moving. Be safe.”
His brothers nodded. Mikey took the metal pipe, Raph took the bat and Leo took the knife with him. They all put on their own colored mask over their eyes. They got into action.
Leo vaulted over the low wall at the back of the alley, scanning the school through the shattered window glass. He could hear the faint murmur of terrified students hiding in classrooms. His knife glinted in the dim light, ready, but he kept his movements silent. He entered the hallway, that’s when Leo went pale. Dead bodies were on the ground, blood scattered everywhere. He couldn’t help but feel guilty. Tears hesitated to spill. Anxiety crippled him.
Is Donnie and April okay? Are they even alive?
Leo swallowed hard. His throat was dry. He continued walking stealthily, making his way towards the stairway. He took a peek before going up to the second floor.
He reached the hallway of the second floor. Thankfully there were no dead bodies, but the blood stains were still there.
Leo made his way to the first classroom. He twisted the door knob. At first Leo expected it to be lock. Instead, it was unlocked, that’s when he noticed the wholes on the door. He took a deep sharp silent breath before entering. The body of a teacher was the first thing he saw upon entering the room. A pool of blood was around her lifeless body. The students were crouched behind overturned desks, some crying, some frozen in fear. Leo’s eyes locked onto April, trying to keep calm despite the pounding in his chest. She froze when she saw him, but relief washed over her face.
“Leo!” she whispered.
He gestured sharply for her to stay low, thats when he heard footsteps approaching.
On the first floor, Mikey and Raph were already working fast. Mikey helped students through the window to the fire escape, while Raph kept a bat in hand, his stance ready, daring anyone to approach.
Leo hid behind the door. The moment he saw a man with a crowbar enter, Leo lunged at him with no hesitation. The knife connected with the thug’s shoulder, forcing him to stumble back with a yelp of pain. The man swung the crowbar at Leo’s head who thankfully dodged it. The crowbar hit the whiteboard making a loud clang sound causing the other students to scream.
The man lost his balance. Leo took the opportunity to slam him to the ground with his shell. The man groaned in pain before grabbing Leo’s shoulder, digging his fingers into the deep gash. He smiled insanely when Leo screamed in pain. He swung his crowbar, hitting Leo in the head.
Leo was dizzy and his vision started to blur. He placed his left hand on his head while the right hand on the wall, stabling him.
The man was trying to stand up, but with his twisted ankle, he was having a heard time. Leo took this as an opportunity and pushed him backwards. His body hit the window behind him. Leo slammed him into the window again which shattered into pieces. He fell. Leo looked down. The man was unconscious. He could only hope that the man wasn’t dead.
Leo took a deep breath. He was swaying from left to right. He hopped that his concussion wasn’t very serious. He closed his eyes trying to steady himself. He felt a hand resting on his uninjured shoulder.
“April,” he whispered her name. “I need you to bring the students out of the school. It’s safe down stairs. Raph and Mikey will be there.”
April was too shook to even speak. She nodded and gave Leo a hug. They stayed there for a few seconds before April broke it. “Be safe, please.”
Leo gave her a reinsuring smile.
“Guys, let’s go.” April whispered towards her classmates, her hand was still on Leo’s shoulder. “It’s not safe here, we have to get out.”
“Thank you, April.” Leo knew he could trust her to bring them to safety. He took the crowbar and made his way to the next classroom. It was locked. Without wasting a second, he went to the next classroom. The doors of every classroom were locked.
Leo made his way to the end of the hallway, he was met with the same person he encountered earlier in the restroom. He was holding an assault rifle in his arms.
He was trying to break down the door of the classroom. Leo read the sign above the classroom door, it was History. Donnie was having History class.
Leo bit his lips hard, causing it to bleed a little. He gripped the crowbar and was about to swing it full force before the door was slammed open.
Leo’s soul left his body when he hear a scream. Not just any terrified scream.
It was Donnie’s.
Leo sprinted into the classroom, crowbar still in hand. The moment he entered the classroom. The person was no where to be seen.
“LEO!” was what he heard Donnie screaming before a gunshot was fired. Leo felt a sharp pain at his left thigh. He fell to the grown. Gripping his thighs. His tears fell. A pain was unbearable. Leo glanced at his hands that was covered in his blood.
Leo heard laughter from behind him. “No one come any closer, or he’s getting it”
Leo’s head was yanked backwards, gun to his head. He met his brother’s eyes, tears are falling down his face. The other students were crying, shaking, some were covering they’re ears.
Leo tried to grabbed the gun out from the shooter’s grip, but he was to slow.
“Don’t even think about it.” He tightened his grip on Leo’s mask. The headache from Leo’s concussion was definitely not helping. He grimaced in pain.
“NO STOP! YOUR HURTING HIM!” Donnie
yelled.
“Is this your brother?” The shooter let go of Leo, but he was walking towards Donnie. Donnie was shaking his head while stumbling backwards.
Leo couldn’t let him hurt his younger brother. Even he was at verge to collapse. He pushed himself up, trying to stand to defend his brother. A wave of exhaustion hit him. Leo tried to put less pressure on his left leg but it was still too painful. He let out a yelp when a sharp pain hit him.
The shooter turned his head slowly. It was unsettling.
“Hey mutant!” His voice was loud, Leo’s head was throbbing. “I won’t hurt your brother if you fight me.” Leo was breathing heavily at this point. “Unless you want me to hurt-“ he paused for a moment. “No, if you don’t fight me, then I will kill him.” He grinned smugly.
Leo shot a terrified look towards the man before glancing at his brother. He knew he was at a huge disadvantage, but he couldn’t let Donnie get killed because of him.
Leo stood up straight, with a crowbar in hand. He squinted his eyes shut, taking deep breaths, trying to ease the pain. He shot his eyes open with determination. He must defend his brother.
“Ohohoh~ this will be fun.” The man smiled.
Leo planted his feet, holding the crowbar tightly, legs trembling from the pain in his thigh. The shooter advanced slowly, rifle aimed at Donnie, his smirk widening.
With a sharp hiss, Leo swung the crowbar in a wide arc, catching the man’s shoulder. The shooter staggered back, but quickly recovered, shoving the crowbar away with the butt of his rifle. Sparks flew as metal struck metal, and Leo stumbled but stayed on his feet.
The shooter lunged, trying to jab Leo with the rifle butt. Leo twisted, swung the crowbar again, forcing the man to duck. He smashed the crowbar down toward the shooter’s knees, trying to keep him off balance, but the attacker caught the blow, twisting Leo’s wrist. Pain shot up his arm as he lost leverage.
With a grunt, Leo swung again, but the shooter yanked the crowbar from his hands, sending it clattering across the floor.
For a heartbeat, Leo froze. Exposed, vulnerable, and burning with frustration. But he didn’t panic. His hand darted to his belt, fingers closing around the hilt of the knife he carried earlier. The steel felt reassuringly cold in his grip, and determination surged through him.
“Not today,” Leo muttered under his breath, lunging forward with the knife. He slashed low, forcing the shooter to stumble back, his focus split between the incoming blade and Donnie behind him.
The man swung the rifle at Leo’s head, but Leo ducked, rolling to the side. The momentum carried him up, knife raised defensively, ready to strike again. He jabbed toward the shooter’s midsection, but the man twisted, catching Leo’s shoulder in a sharp blow that made him hiss in pain. Blood mixed with sweat, dripping into his eyes, stinging, but he forced himself to see clearly.
Donnie’s voice cracked through the chaos. “Leo! Be careful!”
Leo’s eyes flicked to his brother, and that alone steeled his resolve. He lunged again, this time cutting across the shooter’s arm. The man cursed and swung wildly, rifle butt smashing against a desk, sending papers flying. Leo’s movements were sluggish, but desperation made him faster than pain would allow.
He didn’t notice the man lifted his leg to kick him. Leo tumbled back, falling due to loss of balance. The man placed his foot on Leo’s plastron. It was difficult for him to breathe.
“Too slow!” the man sneered. He raised the rifle, pressing it against Leo’s head. Leo gasped, gritting his teeth, refusing to cry out.
Donnie’s voice cracked through the room. “Stop! Don’t you dare! Stop!” His eyes were wide, tears streaming down his face. He moved forward, fists clenched, but the shooter shoved him back roughly. “Get back! Or he dies!”
Leo’s vision darkened at the edges. His body trembled from pain and blood loss. The weight of exhaustion press down like a mountain. He closed his eyes briefly, accepting what was coming.
This is it, he thought. I’ve failed. At least Donnie is alive
And then the sound of boots and shouting echoed from the hallway. Police were entering. “Drop your weapon! Now!”
The shooter froze, panicked. Leo snapped his eyes open. He used the distraction, thrusting his knife toward the man’s side. The attacker barely deflected it, but it gave the officers the chance to tackle him to the ground. The rifle skidded across the floor as two more officers restrained him.
Leo tried to get up. He saw his two other brothers along with April at the entrance of the classroom, eyes filled with tears. He swayed, exhausted, knife still clutched in his hand. His legs gave out, and he slumped forward. Donnie grabbed him, holding him tight.
“Leo! Stay with me! You’re okay!” Donnie shouted, tears streaking his face.
The adrenaline drained from Leo’s body, pain and blood loss catching up with him. His vision swam, the room spinning as paramedics and police rushed in. Finally, his body surrendered to exhaustion and injury. He could here his brothers screaming his name. My family, they’re safe he thought one last time before his vision went dark.
A soft, rhythmic beeping pulled Leo back from the darkness.
His eyes fluttered open slowly, the world coming into focus in fragments, white ceiling tiles, dim lighting, the faint antiseptic smell of a hospital room. His body felt heavy, like every muscle had been drained of strength.
Pain lingered, dull but present, especially in his leg and shoulder. His torso was wrapped tightly in bandages, and he could feel the pull of fresh stitches along his thigh and across his shoulder every time he moved even slightly.
He blinked, disoriented.
Then he felt it, weight resting gently across his lap.
Leo tilted his head down.
Raph.
His brother was slumped forward in a chair pulled close to the bed, arms folded, head resting against Leo’s lap. Even in sleep, his grip on the edge of the blanket was tight, like he refused to let go.
Leo’s chest tightened.
Carefully, slowly, he shifted just a little.
Raph stirred instantly.
His eyes snapped open, wild and alert, before locking onto Leo. For a second, he just stared. Like he wasn’t sure if this was real.
“…Leo?” his voice came out rough, barely above a whisper.
Leo gave a small, tired smile. “Hey…”
Raph shot up so fast the chair scraped loudly against the floor. “You’re awake—You’re actually awake—!” His voice cracked, relief flooding through every word. He quickly grabbed his phone, hands shaking slightly. “Donnie—yeah—he’s up. He’s awake. Get here. Now. Bring Mikey—bring Dad—just—hurry.”
He hung up without waiting for a response.
For a moment, the room fell quiet again.
Raph exhaled shakily, running a hand through his head before looking back at Leo. “You idiot…” he muttered, but there was no bite in it. Just relief. “You scared the living shit out off us.”
Leo let out a weak chuckle, wincing slightly as the stitches pulled. “Wasn’t… planning on it.”
Raph huffed, pulling the chair closer again, this time sitting upright. “Yeah? You broke your promise, I’m not trusting you going alone next time.”
Leo rolled his eyes. His gaze drifted to the small television mounted in the corner of the room. It was already on, muted. Raph grabbed the remote and turned up the volume.
A news reporter stood in front of the school, police tape visible behind her.
“Earlier today, a violent incident occurred at Eastman High School, leaving multiple individuals injured, even death. Authorities have identified the primary suspect as Daniel Krane, along with several accomplices believed to be part of a local criminal group. All suspects are now in police custody.”
Leo’s eyes stayed fixed on the screen.
“…however, witnesses report that the situation could have been far worse if not for the actions of an individual who intervened before authorities arrived.”
The screen cut to a shaky phone recording.
The footage was chaotic, clearly taken by a student hiding behind a desk. The camera peeked through the small gap between overturned furniture, hands trembling as it zoomed in.
Leo was there.
Fighting.
The clip showed him in the classroom. Blood already staining his shoulder, movements slower but still precise. The man with the crowbar lunged, and Leo dodged just in time, the weapon slamming into the whiteboard with a loud crack. Students could be heard gasping and whispering in fear behind the camera.
“Isn’t that one of the mutant turtles?” someone whispered.
Leo countered, slamming into the man and forcing him back. The camera shook violently as the student flinched when the crowbar swung again—this time hitting Leo. A muffled cry came from somewhere off-screen.
“Get down—get down!” another voice hissed.
But Leo didn’t stop.
Even in the shaky footage, it was clear. He was hurt, swaying slightly, but he kept going. He pushed forward, taking the hit, and then drove the attacker back toward the window.
The glass shattered.
The video cut abruptly.
The screen switched back to interviews.
A girl, still visibly shaken, spoke into the microphone. “He—he told us where to go… and then he just—fought them. Even when he was bleeding, he didn’t stop.”
Another student nodded, voice trembling. “Yeah… we were hiding, and he was the only one standing between us and them.”
The footage shifted again. April this time.
Leo’s breath caught.
She looked exhausted, eyes red, but steady. “He didn’t hesitate. He went back in when no one else could. He made sure we got out. That’s who he is.”
The reporter’s voice returned. “Authorities has identified the individual to be one of the mutant turtles with the blue mask to be specific, who saved all of us during the mutant attack six months ago. Witnesses describe him as instrumental in preventing further harm. Not to worry, he is currently in the hospital, having his wounds checked and getting the attention they needed.”
Leo’s hand slowly lifted, resting over his chest.
Something tightened there. Warm, overwhelming.
Relief.
Pride.
And something deeper.
His lips trembled slightly as a small smile formed, even as tears slipped quietly down the sides of his face.
They were safe.
That was enough.
The door suddenly burst open.
“LEO!”
Mikey rushed in first, immediately followed by Donnie, April, and Master Splinter.
Donnie didn’t even slow down. He reached Leo’s bedside in seconds, gripping his hand tightly. “You’re awake—thank goodness—you—” His voice broke.
Mikey hovered close, eyes wide and glossy. “Dude… you scared us so bad.”
April stood just behind them, her hand covering her mouth, eyes filled with relief.
Master Splinter stepped forward last, calm but emotional. “My son… you have shown great courage.”
Leo looked at all of them. His family, safe, alive.
And this time, his smile came easier.
“…Worth it,” he whispered.
The room filled with quiet laughter, relief, and warmth.
They made it.
A month and a half later, the halls of Eastman High School felt… different.
Quieter, in a way.
Not because people weren’t talking, but because there was a kind of awareness now. A shared memory that lingered in every corner, every classroom door that had once been locked in fear.
Students walked through the hallways again. Lockers slammed, conversations returned, laughter slowly rebuilt what had been broken.
But no one forgot.
Leo stood just outside the school gates, adjusting the strap of his bag slightly. His movements were careful, slower than before. The bandages were gone now, replaced with healing scars, faint marks along his cheek, hidden beneath the edge of his mask, and deeper ones beneath his clothes where stitches had once held him together.
Behind him, his brothers lingered.
“You sure you’re good?” Mikey asked, arms crossed, eyes scanning him like he didn’t trust reality yet.
Leo gave a small smile. “I’m good.”
Raph leaned in slightly. “If anything even looks dangerous, I’m flipping a table.”
Donnie adjusted his glasses. “Statistically unlikely, but still a valid precaution.”
Leo let out a quiet chuckle.
“…I’ll be fine,” he said.
And this time, he meant it.
He turned and walked through the gates.
The moment he stepped inside the building, something shifted.
People noticed.
Whispers started first.
“That’s him…”
“The one from the video—”
“He’s back…”
Leo tried to ignore it, keeping his head forward, but his chest tightened slightly. This wasn’t like before. This wasn’t normal.
Then,
The intercom crackled.
“Attention, students and staff.”
The entire hallway seemed to pause.
Leo froze mid-step.
“That is our principal,” Donnie muttered under his breath from behind.
The principal’s voice continued, steady but carrying something deeper.
“Today, we welcome back a student who showed extraordinary courage during last month’s incident.”
Leo’s heart started pounding.
“He risked his life to protect others, ensuring that many of us are still here today.”
The hallway had gone completely silent now.
“…Please join me in welcoming Leonardo Splinterson back.”
For a second—
Nothing happened.
Leo swallowed.
Then—
A single clap.
Then another.
And another.
Until the entire hallway erupted.
Applause filled the space, loud, overwhelming, echoing off the walls. Students, teachers. Everyone.
Some were smiling.
Some were crying.
Some just stood there, clapping like they didn’t know how else to say thank you.
Leo’s breath caught.
His vision blurred slightly.
He hadn’t expected this.
Didn’t want this.
But…
It wasn’t fear.
It wasn’t pressure.
It was… warmth.
Pure, overwhelming warmth.
He glanced back slightly.
His brothers were there.
Raph, trying to hide a proud grin.
Mikey, already clapping the loudest.
Donnie, smiling softly.
April stood beside them.
She met his eyes.
And smiled.
Leo let out a shaky breath.
His shoulders relaxed.
And slowly,
He smiled back.
Not the forced kind.
Not the “leader has to be strong” kind.
A real one.
For the first time since that day,
He felt it fully.
They were safe.
They were okay.
And he… was finally allowed to be just a kid again.
Leo stepped forward into the crowd, into the noise, into the life he had fought so hard to protect.
And this time,
He didn’t carry the weight alone.