Splinter watches his sons, Destiny, and April spar, arms folded behind his back. It's times like this that he finds himself in awe of his students. His sons have become formidable fighters, strong and sure in every movement, while Destiny and April have taken well to the ninjutsu art too.

He strokes his beard, humming to himself in thought as he watches Destiny. She spars with Michelangelo, blocking his nunchuck strikes with her uchigatana, ducking and dodging and spinning even as Michelangelo dances around her.

Splinter's ears perk. Michelangelo's fighting style has always been incredibly agile, rivalled only by Leonardo, and Destiny is doing well keeping up with him. She has learned to use her wings and tail to enhance her fighting style and while Splinter knows she still has a lot to learn, she's come a long way from where she began.

"Sarina," Splinter says, turning to the cyborg next to him. As always, Sarina has her tablet, taking notes, and she looks up at him the moment he says her name. "Would you agree that Destiny has improved quite notably as of late?"

Sarina tilts her head. "I suppose so, although from what I've seen, she's always improved steadily. She's very diligent in her training with Leonardo and I think the hard work speaks for itself."

Splinter nods as his attention drifts to his eldest son, currently sparring with April. While he has always shown the most prowess for ninjutsu out of all his brothers, Splinter is still warmed with pride at how Leonardo has improved as a leader through these many years. April has also grown, although Splinter will never shame her for taking more time to focus on her duties on the surface, and on her future. She deserves to focus on such things in this time of peace.

His attention drifts past them to Raphael and Donatello's match, at how they banter at each other good-naturedly even as they strike and block each other's blows. Years ago, Donatello would struggle to meet Raphael blow-for-blow, but now he's become a much more confident fighter, and Raphael has become less rash.

His heart lifts with pride anew. His sons have truly grown into men.

It is time.

"I will speak with Leonardo and Destiny after training, then. Thank you for the input, Sarina."

She smiles at him as her eyes glow softly. "Of course, Sensei! That's what I'm here for."

He is grateful for her presence too, although she never cared to learn ninjutsu. She is yet another invaluable piece of his family.

When training ends, Splinter rattles off his usual wisdom, pointing out a few things for each of them to improve on, although it seems like it gets harder to find faults with each day that passes.

"You are dismissed," Splinter says.

"Aw, yeah! Party time!" Michelangelo hoots, leaping up and heading for the door. He whips around, pointing at the others. "Ready to break it down, dudes?"

"What time are we meeting up again?" Raphael asks, checking his phone messages as he starts to follow.

"Should be in the next hour, unless Karai changed the plan," Donatello says.

Splinter gets to his feet as his children start to file out. "Leonardo. Destiny. If you would stay a moment..."

The couple stops on a dime, looking at each other before focusing on their teacher again. The others hesitate for a second, confused, but Sarina ushers them out of the dojo.

"Trust me, it's nothing to worry about," she assures them.

"Don't be too long, dudes!" Michelangelo calls. "Can't be late!"

Leonardo and Destiny approach him, although Destiny hangs back just behind Leonardo. Splinter smiles a little. She is like his shadow, at times, always watching his back.

"Is something wrong, father?" Leonardo asks.

"No, I simply wanted to speak to you both," Splinter says. He folds his hands behind his back. "I'm aware that April and Casey's graduation is fast approaching."

"It is," Leonardo says, smiling a little. "Hard to believe, huh?"

"Time has a way of catching up to you," Splinter agrees.

Destiny's fluffy tail lashes back and forth once as she crosses her arms over her chest. "You...wanted to talk to us about graduation?" she asks.

"In a way. I feel it may be time for a graduation of our own."

It takes a second. Leonardo's eyes widen first and his lips part, turning back to face Destiny just as shock takes over her expression. She gawks at Splinter, then at Leonardo.

"Wait...you don't mean me, right?" she asks. "Leo, you and the guys are just about finished your tenth dan, right? Your mastery graduation, m-maybe?"

Leonardo blinks a few times and then Splinter finds himself back on the receiving end of both their expectant stares. He can't help but chuckle.

"Yes," he says, nodding to Leonardo. He nods to Destiny. "And yes."

"Both?" they say at the same time, mouths still hanging open.

"Are you sure?" Destiny asks, starting to fidget with her hands, although her tail has started wagging. "I mean, Sensei, it feels like April only just became a kunoichi, and—"

"And I feel it is time for you to join her," Splinter interrupts smoothly, taking a step towards her and taking hold of her shoulder. She stares up at him in awe, disbelief. "You have worked very hard, Destiny, and have overcome many trials both physical, mental, and spiritual. I would be honoured to welcome you as an official kunoichi of the Hamato clan."

She opens and closes her mouth a few times, then looks at Leonardo as tears appear. "I might cry, Leo. I'm already crying."

Splinter steps back as Leonardo grins, sweeping forward and gathering Destiny up in a hug. He hugs her so tight and with such ferocity that it lifts her off her feet, earning a tiny yelp as she hugs his neck.

"I'm so proud of you!" he says. "I told you you could do it!"

He sets her down as she lets out a watery laugh, fanning her flushed cheeks. He cups her face and presses kisses all over it as her happy-crying devolves into giggling. She lightly bats at his plastron even as he keeps showering her with affection.

"Leo, your dad's right there..." she whines, but she's grinning so hard that Splinter knows she doesn't care.

He stops, but he's still grinning. "Good job, Des. I can't wait to tell the guys!"

"We will share the good news and plan for the next full moon," Splinter promises. They're still grinning at each other, and his ears twitch. "Of course, Leonardo, you and your brothers will need your own mastery ceremony. I have something special in mind."

Leonardo grabs Destiny's hand, still smiling. "We should go tell the others! This is—"

"Actually, Leonardo, I also wish to speak with you privately," Splinter interrupts.

Their smiles fall into something more neutral, surprised, but Leonardo nods as he releases Destiny's hand. He bows his head.

"Of course, father."

Destiny lightly touches his hand, smiling once more at him before she leaves the dojo, a slight skip in her step. Splinter exhales and settles onto his knees, prompting Leonardo to follow him. His son waits, eyes slightly wide, open and receptive to his words.

Leonardo has always clung to his wisdom the most. Splinter hopes that, when the time comes, he will be strong and wise enough to pass those lessons on.

"Do you know why you are the leader of this team?" Splinter asks.

Leonardo frowns, brows quirking. "Um, yeah. It's because I asked to be. You said it wasn't because of my skills."

"I said that only to temper your ego at the time," he says, stroking his beard as he smiles fondly at him. "I knew even when you were a small boy that you would someday grow up to be the leader of this team, and when I pass on, to be as I am."

"Pass on?" Leonardo repeats, distress pinching his face. "What are you talking about?"

"Leonardo, if I may impart only one piece of wisdom that will remain with you forever, remember: giving guidance to your brothers and friends does not come from here." He points to Leonardo's head. His hand falls to his plastron, resting over the strong heartbeat. "It comes from here."

"I...I don't get it, father. Where is this coming from? Is everything alright?"

Splinter sighs as he brings his hands back to his lap. "You are a man, Leonardo. I want to be prepared for the changes that may come. I want you to become this dojo's next sensei and train the future of the clan."

"The future..." Leonardo shakes his head, as if trying to clear his thoughts. "I think I know what you're saying, but..."

"You are serious about Destiny." Splinter says it as a statement, not a question. The fierce wolf mutant captured Leonardo's heart years ago and, despite their struggles, their dedication to each other is clear.

"Of course, father."

"And someday, you will have children of your own."

Leonardo's head falls forward, his voice quiet. "I know what Renet said, but...it seems so hard to believe. It doesn't seem possible."

"My son, children do not have to be of your body to be yours. I would think you would know that." Leonardo's cheeks flush with embarrassment and Splinter chuckles. "We do not know exactly what the future holds for us, but I do know that I want you to lead this clan when I no longer can."

"Have you seen something during your meditations? Are...are you in danger?"

"Leonardo," Splinter says firmly. "You worry too much. I am getting older and in time, I may want to retire. I simply wanted to speak with you, to let my intentions be known."

He nods, bowing his head again. "I'm sorry."

"There is nothing for you to be sorry for. Now..." Splinter gets to his feet. "I believe we have some good news to share, don't we?"

Leonardo also stands, although his expression is still troubled. "Yeah."

----------

"Woah, no way! That's awesome!"

Michelangelo hugs Destiny tight, squealing with glee. The second he's released her, Raphael's got his arm around her shoulders, driving his knuckles into her head.

"Hey, watch the ears!" she says with a grin.

"Seems like just yesterday I was kicking your butt," Raphael says. "Oh, wait—"

She elbows him in the plastron and immediately hisses in pain. "Ah, shit, that was stupid," she groans, gripping it. "No wonder you guys wear elbow pads."

"Congrats, Des!" Donatello says. He reaches for a handshake but she hugs him instead, making him laugh. "You deserve it."

"Indeed," Sarina agrees. A small blip sounds from her and she blinks. "Not to ruin the excitement, but we should get going if we want to pick up the others and still be punctual."

Destiny steps away from Donatello, tail wagging. "On it! Do we need anything?"

"Maybe get the cars ready. Both of you," Leonardo suggests, gesturing between Destiny and Sarina. "Guys, can I have a second?"

"Come, Destiny," Sarina says. "I turned the Hammer's necklace into a hood ornament for the Party Wagon. You should see it."

"Sure."

The girls leave without complaint towards the garage while the other turtles gather with their brother. Leonardo crosses his arms over his chest, lips pursed.

"What's up, Leo?" Michelangelo asks. He lowers his voice to a whisper. "Are we in trouble?"

"Highly unlikely," Donatello says.

"What'd Splinter say?" Raphael asks.

Leonardo purses his lips. "Des isn't the only one moving up a dan," he says. Green, blue, and brown eyes widen in synch. "Splinter wants to name us masters."

They stare at Leonardo, then at each other.

"Holy shell," Michelangelo says, his eyes starting to sparkle.

"He thinks we're ready?" Donatello asks.

"I was born ready," Raphael says with a confident smirk.

The three of them look at Leonardo, at his troubled expression, and their faces fall. Raphael's confidence steps aside, letting his concern show through. He grasps Leonardo's shoulder, gripping it tightly as if to keep his brother grounded.

"There's something else, huh?" he asks.

Leonardo nods. "He talked a lot about the future. About what Renet said. He wants me to take over as sensei when he...passes on. To teach our children."

Michelangelo's lips part. "Woah..."

"Passes on? Is he alright?" Donatello asks.

"He's fine. He just...said he wanted to be prepared. I think it's been on his mind for a while," Leonardo explains. "I...I'm willing to take that on, but only if all of you are okay with it. I don't expect to be the only one to teach anyone, but—"

"You've basically trained Destiny yourself," Raphael says, "and I'm sure any nieces and nephews would love to groan over your cheesy life lessons and Splinter-isms." His expression softens with a smile. "Just like we have. You'll be a great sensei, Leo. You already are."

For a brief second, Leonardo just looks at his brothers, and emotion overwhelms him. He ducks his face into his forearm, clearing his throat.

"Aw, dude, bring it in," Michelangelo says.

He doesn't wait for Leonardo to accept, wrapping him in a tight hug, and Leonardo sighs good-naturedly as he returns it. "Thanks, guys," he says, smiling at each of them. "I won't let you down."

"We'll hold you to that," Donatello says, winking.

From inside the garage, faint honking reaches them as one of the girls lays on the Party Wagon horn.

"We're coming! Calm your shell!" Raphael hollers.

"WOULD IF I HAD ONE!" Destiny's voice just barely reaches them.

"Dude, Leo," Michelangelo says, pulling away from the hug and grasping his brother's shoulders reverently. "Life is good. Shredhead's dead, his goons have left the city, Karai's got a banging new dojo and a hot girlfriend—"

"Mikey..." Leonardo sighs.

"And we have hot girlfriends too! So, all we have to do is keep training, eat pizza, and think about making cute babies that'll make the history books proud."

"Don't ever say those words around me again," Raphael says. "Not the history part. Anything about making babies."

Michelangelo grins. "It's just nature, Raphie. Birds and the bees. Turtles and cute girls."

"That image is seared in my brain now. Thanks for that."

Donatello clears his throat. "Alright, that's enough of that conversation, and speaking of cute girls, we have a few waiting for us."

The brothers hurry off to the garage, moods high, although dread lingers in the back of Leonardo's mind. Life is good—Michelangelo is right about that—but dangers remain and the unknown is still very much that. Leonardo thinks of his nightmares, of Shredder ripping his way out of the depths of hell, bent on taking away everything Leonardo has bled for.

He flexes his hands against his sides, slowing as he reaches the garage, watching as his family piles into the Party Wagon. Destiny sits on the driver's side, elbow hanging out the window, and Leonardo focuses on her—his future, his everything.

She looks up at him and grins her sharp-toothed smile, all wild brown curls and green eyes and marked skin, and his heart sings for her the same way it did almost four years ago. His Destiny.

"You're giving turtles a bad name, Leo!" she calls. "Move your cute butt!"

He smirks and jogs up to the wagon, throwing open the door. "There's no way you're driving. Scoot."

She pokes her tongue out at him but slides over to the passenger seat, and he exhales as he turns the key in the ignition. Time to just...relax. Have fun.