A/N: 2k3 series. The episode referred to is The Darkness on the Edge of Town, and is from Season 1. My take on Splinter's thoughts as his boys head out to discover the source of a blackout that has plunged all of Manhattan into darkness.
~Balance~
He knew, when they headed up to find out why the City above had been plunged into darkness, what would happen. He knew his eldest would focus on the mission, leading them into dire trouble, and back out again. He knew the rebel would question and push and keep the Leader on his toes. He knew the scientist would take the opportunity to explore, and the youngest would see the possibilities for play that the blackness offered.
He knew they would stop to play, enjoying a rare few moments of freedom to move about on the streets, unseen by unfriendly eyes. He knew they would soon find the source of the calamity and throw themselves, without thought, into a deadly battle. He meditated upon all of this, wondering at the complexity of the bonds between the four, and allowing the worry to melt away, knowing they would work as a team, as always, the Leader keeping them focused, and the Joy keeping their hearts soft.
He knew that they would find and solve the problem. He knew that the four of them, whether on skateboards or in the shadows, would look after one another. He knew they would find balance.