The turtle boys are around ten years old with Lexi being around eight. I say this because it's referenced that the boys don't yet have their weapons, but are well into ninja training.

"Leo?" I ask, walking into the dojo. My big brother has been working really hard. He told me once that Master Splinter might let us go top side if we're all really good at ninjutsu. But only really good because if we're not really good then something could happen and one of us could get hurt then we wouldn't know what to do because it's not like we can just walk into a hospital or something. Anyway, that's why my brothers work so hard all the time.

Raphie is always getting stronger to make up for the rest of our weaknesses. Donnie wants to know everything so he can be ready no matter what situation arrives. Mikey wants everyone to chill so we won't be too cautious (it can be just as dangerous). Leo works the hardest though. He refuses to make mistakes because, as he says, 'the smallest rock could topple a mountain'. I think he read that out of one of Master Splinter's books or something. My point is, everyone does something to make sure everyone is okay…but…

"Yeah Lex?" Leo asks, landing in a perfect stance after a high kick.

Master Splinter says the guys can get their weapons soon. I'll have to wait a little longer because I'm a little younger and haven't been training as long. I have a feeling Leo will get a sword. He's the traditional type and it's usually the weapon of leaders. I think he's going to make a good leader. Him or Donnie. I know Raph really wants it, but he's too hot headed and wouldn't know when to leave a fight. Mikey's not even a little interested in being leader.

"I was wondering…" I ask slowly as he changes positions. He's a lot bigger than me, but mostly in muscle. Master Splinter relates that to him being a boy, but I just think it's because he trains more than I do.

"Lex?" Leo asks, "Is everything okay?"

"Hmm?" I ask, forgetting why I'm here, "Oh, yeah, I was just thinking."

"About?" he asks, not sure if he should keep practicing or not. I thought about going to Mikey about this, but he'd just laugh me off. I figured Leo would be the next best choice, because although Donnie knows everything - Leo is the most wise. Besides Master Splinter and Raph of course, but I could never ask them. They wouldn't get it.

"Well…" I start, "You know how you said that one time about how even small mistakes can be bad, and that's why you train a lot? And that's why Raph is always being tough and Donnie always smart and Mikey always funny?"

"Um…sure?" he asks, deciding to stop, "You mean, how we each have our strengths that make the team stronger?"

"Yeah," I nod smiling, happy he gets it.

"Yeah?" he urges me to continue, taking my shoulder and escorting me to the mat he was practicing on. We both take a seat. "What about it?"

"Well, I was just wondering…what's mine?" I ask.

"Your what? Your strength?" he asks. I nod my head, "Well…um…your…"

After a moment of silence, I sigh, "You can't think of anything either can you?"

"No, it's not that, it's just…" he states, not sure how to say what he wants, "You don't leave room for error - like I try not to - and your really smart, trying to understand things - like Donnie, and like Raph you're really tough and you ease tension like Mikey. So…I guess it's not that you don't bring anything…it's more like you bring more of everything that's already here."

"I don't follow," I shrug.

He scratches the back of his neck, "Your strength is that you add to what's already here."

"I'm not too sure that's a strength, but thanks," I sigh.

"Sorry," he chuckles, "I wish I could help, but honestly? I think you've become mini us's. If you want to find your strength, you've got to find that thing that you do on your own. Like Raph beats on his bag, and Donnie invents stuff, and Mikey plays video games and I meditate. You've got to find your own thing to find your strength."

"Okay," I say, "I get it. I need a hobby that doesn't involve you guys?"

"Sort of," he laughs, "Not that I don't enjoy spending time with you…but, yeah. Spend some time with yourself and you'll find your strength."

"Thanks Leo," I smile.

"Anytime. Now, if you're not too busy, I could use a sparing partner? We could both use the practice."

"Sure," I smile, "Make you a wager?"

"Oh yeah?" he laughs, "What's that?"

"You win, I spar with you at least once every day this week," I say.

"Okay, and if you win?" he asks, a sly smile on his face.

"If I win, you help me find my hobby," I grin.

"Deal."